72 villages in Pune susceptible to landslide

The recent survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has raised concerns regarding the susceptibility of 72 villages in Pune district to landslides. 

This increase in the number of at-risk villages from the initial count of 23, following the Malin landslide in Ambegaon taluka in 2014, has brought immediate attention to the safety of the region.

As a precautionary measure, two of the at-risk villages will undergo immediate rehabilitation, while the remaining 70 villages have been advised to implement protective measures to prevent potential disasters. A comprehensive report on landslide prevention measures is being prepared by the Public Works Department (PWD) as directed by the District Disaster Management Department.

The report is expected to be completed by October 30 and will be submitted to the district administration. Subsequently, it will be sent to the state government in the first week of November. According to the latest survey conducted by GSI, 72 vulnerable villages are spread across seven taluks, with 23 villages in Ambegaon taluka being at risk. Maval has 15 talukas, Velhe has 10, Mulshi has eight, Khed has six, and Junnar and Bhor talukas have five each.

In the 2020 survey of villages, a total of 20 high-risk villages out of 23 were identified. These villages include Ghutke in Mulshi taluka and Dhanvali in Bhor taluka. The report further provides a detailed description of high-risk villages in each taluk, specifically mentioning areas like Kalewadi, Ambwane, Ghutke, Nayphad, Dhanvali, and others. This emphasizes the immediate necessity for implementing preventive measures to avert potential disasters in these regions of Pune.