Pune’s civic administration is under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of debris removal following recent flooding. Activists and local residents have voiced strong criticism over the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) handling of debris lifted from the Mutha riverbank, which has been left on city roads instead of being disposed of properly.
On Monday, the PMC undertook a significant debris removal operation along the Mutha riverbank, particularly between Mhatre Bridge and Shivane, deploying over 25 JCB machines and earthmovers to clear around 250 truckloads of debris. The operation aimed to address the aftermath of flooding on Sinhagad Road from the previous week. However, the debris was reportedly left on the road, leading to concerns among residents about its proper disposal. Citizens have raised alarms over the visible piles of debris, arguing that this improper disposal negates the efforts of the cleanup operation. A resident from Karvenagar pointed out that public funds are spent on such operations, and failing to manage the debris appropriately undermines these expenditures.
Civic officials have attributed the issue partly to the practice of commercial establishments around riverbeds dumping sand and other materials for land reclamation. These reclaimed areas are often used for parking by local businesses, exacerbating the problem. Additionally, the PMC’s anti-encroachment department has noted that property owners involved in illegal reclamation activities have been penalised. Despite efforts to manage debris through designated dumping sites, such as Wagholi, the process remains challenging. Activists argue that the current system of decentralised debris management has yet to materialise effectively, leaving the PMC with limited options. The task of transporting debris to Wagholi is arduous and often avoided by contractors, further complicating the situation.
Environmental and urban planning experts have expressed concern over the violation of floodline norms. The illegal reclamation activities, occurring within prohibited and restrictive flood zones, jeopardise flood management and environmental safety. The blue and red floodlines delineate maximum water levels and flood discharge expectations, intended to safeguard against severe flooding events. As the city braces for more rainfall, the effectiveness of the debris removal effort will be crucial. Activists stress that if debris continues to be improperly disposed of, the entire operation could be rendered ineffective, ultimately leading to further environmental and infrastructural challenges.
