On the evening of Saturday, heavy rainfall in Pune led to severe flooding in Antulay Nagar, Yewalewadi, severely impacting the homes of leprosy survivors with disabilities. The inundation, which affected both living spaces and kitchens, was exacerbated by runoff water entering through various pathways. Despite an online complaint filed with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the issue remains unresolved.
Residents reported that despite a PMC inspection team visiting the affected area, no subsequent action has been taken to mitigate the flooding. The situation has left the residents in a dire predicament, with water entering their homes and causing significant damage. One resident, who lives with her husband and an eight-year-old son, described the distressing conditions. “Our raw houses, situated at a lower elevation, are overwhelmed by the increased water flow. Nearby government hospitals contribute to the problem by discharging water into the lake, which exacerbates the flooding,” she explained. The family’s dual struggle of managing their household under these conditions, while her husband and she work as housekeepers, leaves them concerned for their son’s safety. Another resident, identified as 29, who lives with his parents—both leprosy survivors with limited mobility—highlighted the worsening situation. “The floodwaters have reached knee-deep levels, destroying everything in our home. Despite the inspection, no effective measures have been taken. We are now forced to make temporary arrangements for cooking,” he said.
The head of the colony residents’ association expressed frustration over the PMC’s lack of action. “Despite our tax contributions, we are left vulnerable as water seeps into our fragile shelters. The presence of a specially-abled child in such an unsafe environment is alarming. The authorities seem indifferent to our plight,” he lamented. PMC officials have assured that a follow-up inspection is planned. The engineer responsible for the drainage systems indicated that if the issue falls under his department’s purview, it will be addressed promptly. Otherwise, responsibility would shift to the waterlogging department.
