Pune’s ₹200 Crore Flood Control Project Stalls as State Funds Remain Unreleased, Safety Concerns Rise Before Monsoon
Pune’s ₹200 Crore Flood Control Project Stalls as State Funds Remain Unreleased, Safety Concerns Rise Before Monsoon
Pune, May 24, 2025 — A ₹200 crore flood control project in Pune has come to a complete standstill, with the Maharashtra government yet to release the funds approved over six months ago. This delay has compelled the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to cancel all tenders related to the construction of protective boundary walls along city nullahs and the flood-prone Ambil Odha.
The situation turned more alarming after the boundary wall of a residential society in Padmavati collapsed during heavy rainfall on Tuesday, sparking renewed safety fears among citizens.
The state government had sanctioned the funds following consistent appeals by Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, who escalated the matter to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The financial assistance was crucial to the PMC’s efforts to develop flood mitigation infrastructure, particularly after the 2019 floods that severely impacted areas surrounding Ambil Odha. At the time, the civic body had limited capacity to fund the project independently.
Although tenders were floated and bids were received at 15–20% below estimated costs, internal political friction derailed the process. Some MLAs raised objections over alleged favoritism in contractor selection, stalling the project. Despite the political tug-of-war, the approved ₹200 crore has still not reached the PMC.
Opposition leaders have accused the ruling government of using the project announcement as a pre-election ploy. Former corporator Ashwini Kadam from the NCP (SP) alleged that the tender process was manipulated to exclude contractors with political links to rival legislators, delaying fund release.
As the monsoon approaches, anxiety is growing among residents of low-lying areas near Ambil Odha. Following Tuesday’s rains, many shifted their vehicles and belongings to safer areas, fearing floodwaters.
People living near water bodies live in fear every time it rains. The project must be prioritised before the monsoon intensifies.
PMC has sent a letter to the district collector two weeks ago, urging the state government to release the pending funds. “We’re waiting for the green signal to begin construction,” he said.
Khanore added that, for now, there is no immediate flood threat. “We have cleaned and deepened Katraj Lake to increase its water-carrying capacity and also cleared the Ambil Odha to ensure smoother water flow.”
Until the funds are disbursed, however, crucial flood prevention work remains on hold, leaving residents vulnerable as the rains approach.
