The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) successfully relocated over 1,500 residents from flood-prone areas along the riverbanks. The timely intervention by the municipal administration came after the release of water from the Khadakwasla and Pavana dams on August 4, which caused a significant rise in the Mula-Mutha River’s water levels, leading to the inundation of riverside communities.
The PMC had anticipated the potential flooding and issued early warnings to residents, a crucial move that facilitated swift action when the water levels began to rise. Municipal Commissioner and senior officials closely monitored the situation from Saturday midnight, ensuring that the necessary resources and personnel were in place to assist those affected.
The municipal administration, along with disaster management officers, regional office staff, fire brigade personnel, and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), were on the ground providing assistance. The coordinated response involved the relocation of residents from several areas, including Ekta Nagar, Tadiwala Road, Mula Road, Shantinagar Slum, Indiranagar Slum, Chima Garden, Yashwant Nagri Kals, Sainath Nagar Wadgaon Sheri, Pulachiwadi, Patil Estate Slum, Rajput Slum, Tapodham Indira Nagar Settlement, Narayan Peth, Amruteshwar Ghat, Mangalwar Peth, Shramik Nagar Dattawadi, Bopodi, and Balewadi Village.
To facilitate the evacuation, the PMC utilised Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses to transport the affected residents to nearby municipal schools, which served as temporary shelters. In these shelters, arrangements were made for meals and snacks to ensure the comfort and well-being of the evacuees. A total of approximately 1,500 people from 387 families were moved, reflecting the scale and efficiency of the response.
The proactive measures taken by the PMC underscore the importance of preparedness and effective communication in disaster management. The swift relocation not only safeguarded lives but also demonstrated the city’s capability to handle such emergencies. The efforts of the municipal administration, disaster management teams, and local authorities were instrumental in mitigating the impact of the flood, providing a crucial safety net for the vulnerable communities along the riverbanks.
