Pune Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni has called for urgent measures to address the recent rain damage in Pune and to bolster preparations for the upcoming monsoon season. In a letter to Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, MP Kulkarni emphasized the need for swift action to compensate affected residents and to implement preventive measures for future rain-related challenges.
Addressing Recent Rain Damage
MP Kulkarni highlighted the devastating effects of the recent heavy rains in Pune, which caused significant distress and damage in various communities. Despite being out of the city, she engaged with local authorities, expressing deep concern for the suffering of residents, particularly the elderly, mothers, and children, who were severely impacted by water intrusion into their homes. Kulkarni stressed the necessity of compensating residents for damages, including household appliances such as refrigerators and TVs, which were ruined by the flooding.
A Personal Incident Underscoring Infrastructure Issues
A related incident brought additional attention to the city’s infrastructure problems. Kunal Tilak, BJP spokesman and son of former mayor and MLA Mukta Tilak, experienced severe traffic congestion while attempting to reach the airport from Sangamwadi for a late-night flight. Tilak’s ordeal, which involved running, walking, riding on two motorbikes, and finally taking a rickshaw, highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and responsive action from the authorities.
Criticism of Municipal Negligence
Kulkarni criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for negligence and malpractice, attributing the city’s dire situation to these shortcomings. She pointed out inadequacies in the emergency response and support systems, emphasizing that the corporation failed to protect and assist its citizens effectively during the recent heavy rains.
Recommendations for Future Monsoon Preparedness
In her letter, MP Kulkarni urged the PMC Commissioner to take immediate steps to address the damage caused by the recent rains and to prepare for the upcoming monsoon season. Her detailed recommendations included:
- Action Against Unauthorized Constructions: Removing illegal structures that obstruct natural water flow and exacerbate flooding.
- Cleaning Rainwater Drains: Regularly organizing and cleaning drains to ensure they are free of debris and functional.
- Increasing Riverbed Depth: Enhancing the depth of riverbeds to prevent overflowing and subsequent flooding in surrounding areas.
- Clearing Blocked Drains: Ensuring all drains are clear and unobstructed to facilitate proper water drainage.
- Enforcing Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing and enforcing rainwater harvesting systems to manage excess water.
- Maintaining Expected Drain Widths: Adhering to the Primer report’s specifications for drain widths to prevent waterlogging and reduce damage to properties.
Emphasis on Preventive Measures
Kulkarni stressed that these measures are crucial to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety and well-being of Pune’s residents. By addressing these issues proactively, the PMC can better protect its citizens from the adverse effects of heavy rains and improve overall infrastructure resilience.
