Prioritize works done before monsoon, citizens tell PMC

PUNE: While the civic body is all set to begin pre-monsoon cleaning works amid the onset of the summer, including maintenance and repairs of drainage and storm water channels, activists and citizens want the authorities to continuously monitor the process, so as to avoid shoddy work that could eventually lead to waterlogging during the rains.
As per the plan, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will appoint agencies for these works by the last week of March and subsequently get a start on them.

Vivek Velankar of citizens' group Sajag Nagrik Manch pointed out, "All the spots that witnessed waterlogging during the last two monsoons should be dealt with on priority."
Similarly, Nitin Kadam, an activist from Sahakarnagar, highlighted that the PMC still has three months to complete pending works on retaining walls along the floodprone Ambil Odha. "Barring a couple of instances, areas along Ambil Odha did not witness flooding during last year's rains. We want the civic administration to initiate similar measures for the upcoming monsoon," Kadam said.
Members of the public have added that the PMC needs to plan measures to deal with instances of heavy rain reported in a smaller duration, which tends to cause flash floods. The PMC has identified around 100 such critical floodprone spots along nullahs and culverts. Cleaning and maintenance at these locations should begin on priority, said citizens.
Deven Shah, a resident of Shivajinagar, said, "Various spots including Nagar Road, Vishrantwadi, Sinhagad Road, Deccan Gymkhana and Satara Road had witnessed waterlogging last year during the rainy season. The authorities should check if all these spots have provisions for storm water lines and these lines are connected to the drain system to prevent choking of rainwater flow."
An official from PMC said that the administration has started pre-monsoon works well in advance this year to avoid a last-minute rush. "A survey of vulnerable spots is in its last stages. A private agency has been appointed to conduct the survey and recommend further measures. The works will be taken up accordingly. The civic body has already implemented steps at some spots, wherein encroachments that were obstructing the flow of rainwater were cleared," the official said.
Another official from the PMC's drainage department said around 30 tenders with an estimated total spend of Rs25 crore have been called for cleaning and maintenance of drainage lines and channels. "More tenders will be floated over the next few days, too," said the official.