The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sanctioned a ₹16 crore flood risk management project for Pune under the 15th Finance Commission. This initiative aims to strengthen the city’s infrastructure and reduce the impact of urban flooding, particularly in frequently affected areas. The decision follows recent flood incidents that exposed Pune’s vulnerability to heavy monsoon rains.
Recent Flooding Incidents in Pune
On August 3, 2024, severe flooding impacted low-lying areas of Sinhagad Road as the Mutha River overflowed, forcing emergency evacuations. The Indian Army was deployed to Ekta Nagar, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dispatched two teams to Balewadi and Chinchwad. Compared to the July 25 floods, local authorities demonstrated improved disaster preparedness, successfully relocating 160 residents by August 4. Despite 15 treefall incidents and significant vehicle damage, fire and rescue teams managed to prevent major casualties.
Flood Management Measures Under the Project
The newly approved flood risk management project includes several key initiatives to enhance drainage and reduce waterlogging:
- Drainage System Improvement – Roadsides will be cleared using earth-moving machines and bulldozers to remove vegetation and excavate up to 15 cm deep for better water drainage.
- Structural Dismantling – Old, obstructive reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures and flexible pavements will be removed. Drainage pipes up to 900mm in diameter will be cleared and sealed. Excavation for foundation and pipe trenches will be conducted using advanced techniques such as chiseling and line drilling instead of traditional blasting.
- Road Infrastructure Enhancement – Roads will be resurfaced using bituminous concrete with a 50mm thick compacted layer for durability. 1-meter-high guard railings made from galvanized iron (GI) bars will be installed along major roads to improve safety.
- Temporary Cofferdams for Flood Prevention – To control river overflow and manage dam storage, temporary cofferdams will be built and later dismantled following environmental guidelines. High-capacity pumps will be used to keep excavation sites dry.
Officials Assure Timely Completion
According to Ganesh Sonune, head of Pune’s Disaster Management Cell, the allocated funds will play a crucial role in reducing flood risks before the next monsoon. He also confirmed that Pune’s Smart City initiative will revive its integrated command system with upgraded hardware and software for better disaster response.
“The drainage department has already begun work, and we expect significant improvements in flood management,” he added.
With this ₹16 crore project, Pune is set to witness enhanced urban resilience and better flood preparedness, ensuring greater safety for its residents.