The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has ramped up efforts to prevent flooding and waterlogging in the city. With ₹15 crore allocated for the initiative.
PMC is focusing on improving stormwater drainage systems and repairing key roads, particularly at locations that have faced frequent waterlogging in recent years.The PMC has identified 12 major waterlogging hotspots across the city, where infrastructure improvements are now underway. These include areas such as Vadgaon Sheri, Lohegaon, Kondhwa, and Aundh, where stormwater drains are being constructed or upgraded to ensure smooth drainage during heavy rainfall. A total of 4.4 km of new stormwater drains are being laid, with 2.4 km already completed and the remaining work expected to be finished soon. The goal is to prevent the severe waterlogging that has plagued these areas in the past.
Chief among the repairs is the ₹134 crore road maintenance programme. This includes a micro-surfacing method that has already been used successfully in the city. It provides a durable solution for road surfaces and prevents rapid wear and tear.
The micro-surfacing treatment is expected to keep roads in good condition for up to four years, reducing the long-term maintenance costs for the city. It has already shown positive results in areas such as the flyover near Rahul Theatre, which has remained intact for over seven years.This focus on infrastructure comes as part of a larger monsoon preparedness strategy, supported by funding from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). In addition to the stormwater drains, PMC is also cleaning and clearing natural streams, old drains, and culverts to ensure better water flow during the rains.While the PMC has made strides in its pre-monsoon work, local leaders have called for more attention to areas that suffer the most during heavy rains. BJP leader Sandeep Khardekar emphasised the need for a more proactive approach in flood-prone areas to mitigate the risks to public safety.
For now, the city is also improving its drainage systems and undertaking road repairs in a bid to avoid the chaos and flooding that previous monsoons have brought. With one and a half months to go before the rains begin, the PMC is keen on ensuring that these measures are completed in time to handle the challenges of the upcoming season.In addition to infrastructure repairs, the city’s focus on water management, better drainage, and road maintenance underscores a shift towards more sustainable urban planning. These initiatives aim to not only solve immediate flooding problems but also contribute to long-term improvements in urban resilience, paving the way for a greener, cleaner, and more flood-resistant Pune.
Pune Tackles Waterlogging with Major Infrastructure Work
