Concerns Mount as Vital Cleaning Operations Yet to Begin Despite Looming Monsoon Threat
The pre-monsoon drain cleaning initiative in Pimpri-Chinchwad, aimed at averting potential flooding during the rainy season, is encountering significant delays, raising apprehensions among residents and authorities alike. Despite directives issued by PCMC commissioner Shekhar Singh to commence cleaning operations before May, substantial work remains pending, sparking concerns over the city’s preparedness for the impending monsoon.
Scheduled to clean 135 small drains and 57 large drains across eight regional offices, the municipality’s efforts are crucial to prevent flooding in residential and commercial areas. With a network of 192 drains spanning around 100 kilometers, the timely completion of cleaning operations is imperative to ensure efficient drainage during the monsoon season.
However, as of April 2, several regional offices have yet to initiate cleaning activities, prompting fears of potential delays. These drains, vital for channeling water to rivers like Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani, often get clogged with debris, compromising their capacity and exacerbating flood risks.
Municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh has underscored the urgency of the task, emphasizing the need for prompt action before the onset of pre-monsoon rains, which typically arrive in the first week of June. With limited time before the rains, the municipality is racing against the clock to complete the cleaning operations during the summer months.
In response to the impending cleanup, all regional offices have been alerted, with operations set to commence within the next two days. Heavy machinery will be deployed for cleaning, supplemented by manual procedures in narrow drains. Stringent safety measures will be enforced, with progress documented through before and after photographs.
As the municipality endeavors to expedite drain cleaning operations, residents remain hopeful for timely completion, ensuring enhanced resilience against monsoon-related challenges.
