In recent years, the city of Pune has been plagued by flooding during the monsoon season. To address this pressing issue, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken the initiative to submit a proposal to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for a comprehensive urban flood risk management program. The proposed program, estimated at INR 478.22 crore, aims to mitigate flood-related challenges and includes the establishment of an integrated command and control center.
Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar highlighted the Union government’s emphasis on disaster management and its nationwide implementation of various programs. With this in mind, the PMC has requested INR 250 crore as a priority intervention under the flood risk management program. The initiative is scheduled to be implemented from 2023 to 2027, incorporating both structural and non-structural interventions to effectively address the flood situation in the city during the monsoon season. Subject to approval, the PMC will receive INR 45 crore from the National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF) and an annual allocation of INR 5 crore for the next five years. The remaining funds required for the project will be raised by the PMC itself.
The priority work, amounting to INR 250 crore, has been allocated as follows: INR 179.20 crore for structural interventions, including INR 10.20 crore for addressing flooding hotspots and INR 72 crore for implementing solutions against natural disasters. Additionally, the PMC intends to adopt robust non-structural measures to combat the flood situation and has allocated INR 53.27 crore for the development of an integrated command and control center within the next three years.
Ganesh Sonune, the PMC’s Disaster Management Officer, explained that currently, there are multiple command and control centers in Pune, including those at the PMC, police commissioner’s office, district collector’s office, divisional commissioner’s office, and the irrigation department. Integrating these centers will greatly enhance coordination during flood situations, facilitating better disaster response and management.
The PMC’s priority wishlist includes the following items:
- Structural interventions: INR 179.20 crore
- Integrated Command and Control Centre: INR 53.27 crore
- Equipment for flood response cells: INR 6.69 crore
- Capacity building: INR 4.85 crore
- Policy advocacy: INR 1.40 crore
- New stormwater master plan: INR 4.60 crore
Among these priorities, the PMC plans to allocate INR 6.69 crore to procure equipment for flood response cells at ward offices. Additionally, INR 4.85 crore will be dedicated to capacity building, INR 1.4 crore for policy advocacy, and INR 4.6 crore for the enhancement of the stormwater master plan.
As part of the overall flood risk management program, the PMC aims to construct stormwater drains (INR 56.77 crore), box drains (INR 138.69 crore), and culverts (INR 139.96 crore). Moreover, the PMC intends to desilt natural water bodies such as Katraj, Pashan, and Jambhulwadi, as well as deepen natural streams and implement afforestation measures.
By implementing these comprehensive measures and leveraging the proposed funds, the PMC aims to bolster Pune’s resilience against flooding, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The integrated command and control center, along with the structural and non-structural interventions, will play a crucial role in managing flood situations effectively and minimizing the impact of natural disasters on the city. With a proactive approach to flood risk management, Pune is taking significant strides toward becoming aflood-resilient city, setting an example for urban areas grappling with similar challenges. The collaborative efforts between the PMC and NDMA underscore the commitment of the government in addressing the pressing issue of flooding and disaster management.
In conclusion, the INR 478.22 crore flood risk management program proposed by the Pune Municipal Corporation demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of flooding in the city. By focusing on both structural and non-structural interventions, including the establishment of an integrated command and control center, the PMC aims to enhance its flood response capabilities and protect the well-being of its residents. Through these initiatives, Pune is taking a significant step towards building a resilient city that can effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with monsoon flooding.
