In a concerted effort to enhance disaster preparedness, Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase has issued directives to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the irrigation department, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to initiate the clearance of encroachments from riverbeds and flood lines. This proactive measure comes in response to recurrent flooding incidents in Pune, attributed to unchecked construction and encroachments along water bodies.
Key Decisions:
- During a recent meeting focused on disaster preparedness, Dr. Diwase underscored the importance of taking preemptive actions to mitigate flood risks.
- Experts recommended that the PMC implement robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent encroachments and advocated for the establishment of an efficient drainage system to manage rainwater effectively.
Regional Imperatives:
- The imperative to clear encroachments from flood-prone zones spans across the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMC, PCMC, PMRDA), necessitating coordinated efforts among relevant authorities.
- Additionally, the establishment of accessible communication channels for disseminating weather updates and disaster-related information was deemed crucial.
Environmental Considerations:
- The potential environmental impact of large-scale projects such as the Pune Metro was deliberated upon, emphasizing the urgent need for the clearance of construction debris and encroachments.
- The swift removal of garbage and waste from slum areas was identified as a pressing concern to mitigate flood risks effectively.
Capacity Building for Disaster Management:
- Dr. Diwase emphasized the importance of conducting comprehensive training programs for disaster management, with support from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
- Furthermore, the health department was tasked with compiling an inventory of hospital beds and medical resources to bolster emergency response capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Notable officials including Zilla Parishad CEO Santosh Patil and IMD Pune chief Krushnanand Hosalikar were present at the meeting, underscoring the collaborative approach to addressing disaster preparedness.
- Emphasis was placed on instituting civic reforms to address encroachment challenges, alongside strict adherence to flood line regulations prescribed by the irrigation department.
Dr. Suhas Diwase’s proactive stance underscores the collective commitment to bolstering Pune’s resilience against natural disasters, signaling a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the region’s residents.
