Pune: In many parts of Maharashtra, pre-monsoon showers have begun early, with Mumbai and Pune experiencing particularly heavy rainfall. Pune witnessed significant downpours on Tuesday night, which transformed several roads into waterlogged stretches resembling rivers. The areas of Sharad were especially affected, with streets inundated by rainwater, causing major inconvenience to residents and commuters.
The unseasonal rains, coupled with strong winds over the past three to four days, have disrupted daily life in the city. On Tuesday (20th), heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning led to overflowing drains and manholes in multiple localities, resulting in widespread waterlogging. By around 7:30 pm, some parts of the city saw two-wheelers being swept away by the flowing water, adding to the chaos and raising concerns over public safety.
Citizens have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), blaming the administration for the recurring drainage problems. Despite annual drain cleaning and maintenance work scheduled between April and May, the PMC has repeatedly failed to complete these essential tasks before the onset of the monsoon season, leaving the city vulnerable to flooding.
In a dramatic show of protest against the municipal corporation and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Gajendra More, a leader from Sharad Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), conducted a boat protest on the waterlogged roads of Pune. This unique form of protest has drawn widespread attention and intensified pressure on the civic authorities to address the drainage and infrastructure issues urgently.
The municipal corporation annually allocates funds in April-May for drain cleaning, culvert construction, stormwater line laying, pothole repairs, and disaster management in flood-prone areas. However, the delay and incomplete execution of these projects continue to fuel frustration among citizens and political representatives alike.
With the monsoon approaching, the PMC faces increasing demands to expedite these maintenance activities and prevent a repeat of the current situation. Residents and political leaders alike await swift action to ensure the city’s infrastructure is prepared for the heavy rains ahead.
