Encroachments on drains primary reason for flooding in Pune, 45% nalas in city are missing

7 June 2024

Pune- Heavy rains and thunderstorms are already being experienced in Pune after the intense heatwave. However, the fast-growing city is not equipped to handle the consequences of these pre-monsoon rains as flooding is causing havoc. The encroachments situated on drains have increased the chances of occasional flooding in the area. In some locations of the city, drains seem to be missing altogether.

The roads of Pune have been facing water logging issues since the heavy rains hit Pune two days ago owing to numerous encroachments on drains. According to geography scholar Shrikant Gabale’s research on ‘Impact of Urbanization on the Geographic Environment of Pune and Surrounding’, more than 300 small and big water bodies have been submerged in Pune in three decades. Studies have shown that 37 out of 98 water bodies have been submerged in Dhanori, Yerawada, and Sangamwadi areas in 1991.

The citizens have begun to see the effects of submerged water resources during the monsoon. They are facing a flood-like situation every time there has been heavy rainfall for the last four years. The channel in Dhanori has been narrowed by digging into the natural drain. Others have problems due to encroachments on the route that flows in the rain.

The BMC’s roads and drainage department has found out that several areas are missing drains and construction is taking place in the area while drains were diverted at a 90-degree cut angle in some places. These structures were previously approved by BMC so now people are raising questions regarding whether the civic body will take measures to correct encroachment and drainage issues.

The rains had some heavy impact as 40-50 hours and 10-12 shops were flooded due to heavy rainfall in Dhanori on Tuesday. Along with that, around 12 vehicles were damaged and some were washed away. The affected residents are demanding help from BMC. Therefore, the BMC has decided that the district administration should assist the victims. 

According to Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, they will take this case to the district collector and inspect the damage. Meanwhile, they will inspect the Palki route as well as other flood-affected areas soon.