Pune: PCMC relocates 950 citizens to safety amid rising river levels
Pune: PCMC relocates 950 citizens to safety amid rising river levels
Commissioner Shekhar Singh assures all facilities provided at relief centres, urges citizens to stay alert but not panic
Pimpri: With continuous heavy rains across the region and increased water discharge from upstream dams, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has relocated nearly 950 citizens from flood-affected areas to safe locations by 8 am today (Wednesday, August 20). The civic body has activated disaster management cells at all regional offices, and response teams have been deployed along vulnerable riverbank settlements to ensure swift evacuation and relief.
Residents from Bhat nagar in Pimpri, Labour Camp and adjoining areas in Kiwale, Kesavnagar, Jadhav Ghat, Kalewadi, Pimple Nilakh, Bopkhel, Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, and Pimple Gurav have been shifted to PCMC schools, community halls, and other designated shelters. At each relief centre, arrangements have been made for food, drinking water, power supply, and healthcare support. Some construction workers residing in temporary on-site shelters have also been moved into MHADA housing blocks for safety.
PCMC’s fire department, health teams, and solid waste management staff have been stationed across vulnerable locations with fire tenders, boats, ambulances, and vehicles to carry out evacuation operations. Additional transport support has been provided with PMPML buses. Alongside relocation, teams are addressing complaints of waterlogging and drainage choke-ups across the city.
Eight zonal help centres are fully functional, supported by search-and-rescue teams, while PCMC’s central disaster management cell remains operational 24×7. The civic body is coordinating closely with the Irrigation Department, C-DAC, the Meteorological Department, and traffic police for real-time updates on rainfall, dam discharge, and traffic diversions. Citizens are being regularly informed about flood risks and precautionary measures through All India Radio, FM channels, and PCMC’s social media platforms.
“Flood control operations in Pimpri Chinchwad are under control. Citizens are requested not to panic, but to remain alert. Our teams are continuously monitoring low-lying and riverbank areas, relocating residents wherever needed, and providing all facilities at relief centres. In case of emergencies, citizens should immediately contact PCMC’s control room,” said Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, PCMC.
