Pune: Learning from last year’s flood-induced chaos, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken significant steps this monsoon season to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Following widespread flooding in 2023, the PMC has launched a series of initiatives to ensure timely assistance and minimize damage across the city.
To boost efficiency in handling emergencies, the PMC has established a fully equipped and autonomous Disaster Response Cell at its main building. This cell will serve as the nerve centre for monitoring and managing emergencies citywide, operating in close coordination with various departments.
A major technological upgrade is underway, with the PMC planning to install 500 CCTV cameras in flood-prone and critical zones during the first phase of the project. Eventually, between 1,400 to 2,000 cameras will be deployed in collaboration with Pune Police for comprehensive surveillance.
To further improve public safety, 500 smart poles fitted with sirens will be placed at strategic locations. These will help issue real-time alerts to citizens, especially in vulnerable areas like Ekta Nagari in Sinhagad, which was severely impacted last year.
Given the recent shift in rainfall patterns and the sudden water discharges from upstream dams, the PMC is working closely with the Water Resources Department. Nine engineers have been specially assigned to alert the civic body as soon as water is released from dams. Moreover, automated rain gauges have been installed at key dam sites to provide accurate data and enable faster response planning.
The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 286 crore for disaster management in Pune. These funds are being used to implement various infrastructure and monitoring projects aimed at reducing flood risks and improving emergency response.
All 15 zonal offices of the PMC, along with the headquarters, will operate round-the-clock control rooms throughout the monsoon season. Contact information for the responsible officers has been made available on the PMC’s official website. In the event of evacuations, 71 shelter centres have been designated across the city for temporary relocation of affected residents.
The PMC has deployed 25 staff members exclusively for disaster response operations, under the leadership of Sandeep Khalate, Head of the Disaster Response Cell. He emphasized the civic body’s commitment:
“The Disaster Response Cell is fully activated to ensure swift help reaches citizens. The installation of CCTV cameras is progressing rapidly, and emergency alerts will be sent to relevant authorities as soon as incidents are detected,” Khalate stated.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Citizens in need of assistance during an emergency can contact the Disaster Response Cell at:
020-25501269
020-25506800
020-67801500
These numbers will be operational 24×7 during the monsoon season.
