In response to the heavy pre-monsoon rains that inundated various low-lying areas and roads in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) road department has initiated a plan to create small openings in road dividers. This measure aims to prevent waterlogging and improve drainage across the city. The plan also extends to corridors along Pune Metro Line 1 and 2.
Recent Rainfall and Waterlogging Issues
Last week’s pre-monsoon rains caused significant waterlogging in several areas, including Yerawada, Vimannagar, Sinhagad Road, Koregaon Park, Mhalunge, Timber Market, Lohegaon, Aundh, Market Yard, Dhanori, Baner Road, JM Road, Ganeshkhind Road, Karve Road, and NDA Road. The PMC’s drainage department, after visiting the affected spots, identified several causes for the waterlogging, such as buried stormwater drain chambers due to road resurfacing and lack of openings in dividers.
Implementation Plan
To address these issues, the road department has issued a circular emphasizing the need for small openings in road dividers. Sahebrao Dandge, superintendent engineer of the PMC road department, explained, “Small openings in dividers will help channel rainwater collected on roads, especially where there is a difference in road levels on either side of the divider. The openings will be one to one and a half meters wide to prevent two-wheelers from using them to flout rules. We will urge Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) officials to create openings on metro stretches, and will carry out the plan if they do not do it.”
Hemant Sonawane, executive director (public relations and administration) of Maha-Metro, stated, “We are yet to receive a letter from PMC. When we get it, we will make openings in dividers.”
Additional Measures
In addition to creating divider openings, the PMC road department has decided to adopt new techniques for footpath construction to improve drainage. Currently, plain cement concrete (PCC) is used for placing blocks and tiles, which contributes to water accumulation. The department plans to use granular sub-base (GSB) and wet mix macadam (WMM) for placing blocks and tiles on footpaths to facilitate better water drainage.
Furthermore, the department will incorporate “bore holes” into rain chambers during the installation of rainwater pipes on roads. These bore holes will allow rainwater to permeate into the ground, aiding in groundwater recharge and improving overall drainage.
