Pune Flood Aftermath: Disputes Between PMC Departments Delay Road Cleanup

Pune, 11th June 2024: The heavy rains in Pune have caused widespread disruption, with streets resembling rivers and significant water accumulation in many areas. Despite the water receding, the aftermath has left roads covered in gravel, soil, and sand, creating hazardous conditions for bikers and generating dust that impedes visibility for drivers. However, disputes between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Ward Offices and the Drainage Department are hindering the road cleanup process.

PMC allocates substantial funds annually for road cleaning, managed by the ward offices. Contractors are responsible for daily sweeping, cleaning, and trash collection, supported by approximately 7,500 PMC workers. The Drainage Department handles gutter and drain cleaning, while another contractor is tasked with removing trash, soil, and gravel.

Heavy rains on 4th June flooded most roads, washing away debris. Subsequent rains on 8th June exacerbated the situation, leading to further accumulation of soil and gravel. Water infiltrated buildings and shops, clogged drains, and overwhelmed the city’s response efforts. Following the cessation of rains, PMC initiated recovery operations.

Since Sunday (9th June) morning, PMC has been repairing chambers, removing trash, using pumps to clear waterlogged areas, and eliminating sludge. Despite having large machines for road cleaning, the removal of gravel and soil remains incomplete, resulting in ongoing dust issues and increased accidents involving bikes, contributing to traffic disruptions.

Ward Office cleaning staff refuse to handle soil and gravel, claiming it is the contractors’ responsibility, while the drainage cleaning contractors assert they only need to clean the chambers. Consequently, Pune residents are suffering due to departmental inefficiencies.

Sandeep Kadam, the Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department of PMC, stated, “The ward offices are responsible for sweeping and cleaning the roads every day. We’ve instructed them to clear away the dust and soil washed away by the rain, and we’ll ensure they do it quickly.”

Despite these assurances, the problem persists. Reports indicate continued dust and trash accumulation in areas such as Khadki, Range Hills, Chatushringi Chowk on Ganeshkhind Road, Homi Bhabha Chowk in Wadarwadi, the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Wakdewadi Subway, Senapati Bapat Road, Rajaram bridge, Bibwewadi road, Katraj Dairy on Satara Road, Patwardhan Baug in Erandwane, and Sinhagad Road, which remains cluttered with gravel and garbage.