Vadgaonsheri, where monsoon floods have tormented residents for nearly four decades, MLA Bapusaheb Pathare has urged the Maharashtra government to rehabilitate 650 flood-prone households in Yerawada, Vishrantwadi, and Kalas. Addressing the Legislative Assembly, he highlighted the urgent need for sustainable urban solutions to protect families and align with Pune’s vision for equitable, eco-friendly cities.
For residents like Meena Jadhav, a Vishrantwadi shopkeeper, annual flooding means sleepless nights and damaged livelihoods. The Mula-Mutha river, swollen by monsoon rains, inundates homes, leaving families scrambling. Pathare’s call for relocation to safer zones resonates deeply, promising a future free from fear. The state has allocated ₹250 crore for Vadgaonsheri’s infrastructure, with ₹70 crore already disbursed on 7 July 2025, to fund flood mitigation and rehabilitation efforts, Industries Minister Uday Samant confirmed.
Pathare also raised alarm over a questionable land transfer in Kharadi, where Survey Numbers 53 and 54, reserved for a public exhibition ground, were allegedly handed to a private entrepreneur despite Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) ownership. His pointed query in the Assembly—whether farmers could expect similar exemptions—underscored concerns about transparency. Samant assured a thorough investigation, reflecting the government’s commitment to equitable land use.
Pune’s flood-prone areas, including 26 identified zones, house over 2.5 lakh people at risk, per a 2022 report. The Bombay High Court’s recent directive to redraw flood lines highlights the urgency of addressing encroachments along rivers like the Mula-Mutha. Pathare’s advocacy builds on community demands for solutions like retaining walls and rezoning, which could transform flood-hit plots into public amenities like sports facilities.
This dual push for rehabilitation and accountability aligns with sustainable urban goals. By relocating vulnerable residents and ensuring transparent land governance, Pune can reduce environmental risks and foster inclusive growth. As the government deliberates, residents remain hopeful for a city where safety and fairness define their future.
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