PMC Flood Mitigation Plan for Ektanagari and Sinhagad Road Areas Approved
Pune Municipal Corporation has approved a ₹369 crore plan aimed at flood mitigation in Ektanagari and nearby areas of Sinhagad Road, addressing past flooding issues.
Key Points
– PMC has sanctioned ₹369 crore for flood mitigation and redevelopment.
– The project includes construction of retaining walls and improving river capacity.
– Funding is being sought from the state government; alternative partnerships may be explored.
– Previous floods in July 2024 caused significant damage in affected areas.
– Residents demand urgent action to prevent future flooding incidents.
PMC Approves ₹369 Crore Flood Mitigation Plan
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved a significant plan worth ₹369 crore aimed at flood mitigation and redevelopment in the Ektanagari area and along Sinhagad Road. This decision was made by the estimate committee of the PMC last week and is expected to be presented to the standing committee soon.
Project Details
According to Dinkar Gojare, a senior official in PMC’s drainage department, the proposed project includes essential components such as the construction of retaining walls, removal of debris, and enhancements to the water-carrying capacity of the river running through the locality. Civic officials have highlighted the need for funding, stating that while PMC is seeking financial support from the state government, no funds have been allocated yet. Therefore, alternative options like public-private partnerships will need to be considered.
Past Flooding Issues
The urgency of this project is underscored by the severe flooding that occurred on July 24 and 25, 2024, when water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam resulted in flash floods. Areas such as Ektanagari, Vitthalnagar, and Nimbajnagar, located along the Mutha river on Sinhagad Road, experienced significant flooding that disrupted daily life and inundated many residential colonies and buildings.
Riverfront Development Project
The flood mitigation initiative is part of a broader Riverfront Development (RFD) project, which encompasses a 44 km stretch of the Mula, Mutha, and Mula-Mutha rivers within Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad limits. The recently approved proposal focuses on one specific section, designated as Stretch 6, which spans approximately 4.1 km between Wadgaon Khurd and Rajaram Bridge.
Officials have emphasized that one of the primary goals of the RFD project is to safeguard nearby settlements from flooding. Citizens and housing societies in flood-affected areas have urged the implementation of river improvement projects along the Mutha riverbank.
Project Execution and Community Concerns
The execution of the proposed works aims to enhance the river’s floodwater-carrying capacity, thereby ensuring the safety of residential areas along the riverbanks. The project will include embankments on both sides of the river, pathways, ghats, and beautification efforts. Initially estimated at around ₹300 crore, the cost has now risen to ₹369 crore based on detailed preliminary assessments.
Residents have voiced their concerns and called for immediate action to address the frequent flooding. Mayur Ingawale, a local resident from Ektanagari, expressed frustration over the ongoing issues, stating, “We have no option but to stay here and fight a flood-like situation because the authorities have not completely addressed long-pending problems. The project should be carried out to resolve the problem permanently.”
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