Pune: PMC Report Blames Encroachments, Debris Dumping For Flooding On Sinhagad Road
Pune: PMC Report Blames Encroachments, Debris Dumping For Flooding On Sinhagad Road ( Representational Image )
A recent report by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has attributed the severe flooding on Sinhagad Road in July to encroachments within the blue line in Mutha river, debris dumping, and regular clearing of nullas. The report indirectly holds the PMC, the Irrigation Department, and the Collector’s office responsible for failing to prevent the disaster.
The four-member committee, comprising Superintendent Engineers Sahebrao Dandge, Dinkar Gojar, Bipin Shinde, and Sunanda Jagtap, submitted its findings in early September. However, the report was only made public after civic activist Vivek Velankar obtained it under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, following prolonged delays by PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale.
The report highlights that the river’s carrying capacity from Khadakwasla Dam to Sangam Bridge has reduced due to illegal constructions, garbage, and debris dumping. According to the committee, the Blue Line of the river is 60,000 cusecs, while the Red Line is 100,000 cusecs. “Previously, releasing 60,000 cusecs caused minimal waterlogging. However, due to obstructions, even a discharge of 35,000-40,000 cusecs now leads to major flooding,” the report stated.
The flooding on July 24 impacted several areas, including Ekta Nagari and Sinhagad Road, with waterlogging worsened by clogged odhas and nalas. Velankar criticized the PMC for delaying the release of the report, citing the Model Code of Conduct. He eventually appealed to the Election Commission, leading District Collector Suhas Diwase to instruct PMC to release the report.
The report’s findings have sparked concerns among citizens and activists, who are demanding action against those responsible for the flooding. The PMC has been accused of negligence and failing to prevent the disaster.
