Pune: PCMC Chief Issues Stern Warning After Severe Waterlogging in Pimpri Chinchwad

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 25th June 2024: In the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) areas of Pimpri, Chinchwad, Akurdi, and Chikhali, 114.5 mm of rain fell in an hour on Sunday (23rd June), leading to widespread water accumulation. This incident disproved PCMC’s 100% drain cleaning claim before the monsoon. As a result, PCMC in-charge Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal warned that officials responsible for waterlogging in future rains will face action.

During the rain, water entered homes in Anand Nagar, Nigdi Ota Scheme, Vidya Nagar, Dutta Nagar, Shankar Nagar, Shahu Nagar, and More Wasti. In Chikhali’s Gharkul Yojana area, water accumulated extensively, prompting local citizens to express strong anger against the PCMC administration. Even on Monday (24th June) evening, Spine Road and Jadhavwadi remained waterlogged. The PCMC administration had claimed that drains and sewage channels were thoroughly cleaned pre-monsoon, but Sunday’s rain revealed the falsehood of this claim as roads and low-lying areas became inundated.

In Anand Nagar, sewage mixed with rainwater entered homes due to blocked canals, damaging stored grain. Citizens reported that drain cleaning had not been conducted in this area. Similar issues were observed in Dutta Nagar, Vidya Nagar, and Shankar Nagar. At the Nigdi Ota Scheme, rainwater also entered huts, causing inconvenience.

As usual, Chikhli’s Gharkul Yojana area turned into a lake after the first rain, making it difficult for residents to leave their homes. This situation highlighted PCMC’s lack of pre-monsoon preparations. The heavy rainfall overwhelmed drains, which were blocked by plastic and garbage, causing overflow and waterlogging. Assistant Commissioner of the Health Department, Yashwant Dange, claimed that water receded within one to one and a half hours after the rain stopped.

PCMC In-charge Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal said, “Due to water accumulation, the concerned officials have been given a strict warning. Officials and employees of the relevant department in all divisions have been instructed to conduct inspections. They have been asked to undertake the repair work of sewage channels and rain drains. In case of waterlogging in the next rains, responsibility will be determined and action will be taken.”