As the monsoon season approaches, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is ramping up its efforts to fortify the city’s defenses against potential disasters. Led by Disaster Management Officer Ganesh Sonune, PMC is implementing a comprehensive strategy to ensure Pune is adequately equipped to handle any crisis that may arise.
Preparation Initiatives:
- PMC plans to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to streamline disaster response protocols.
- Over 2000 municipal employees are undergoing extensive training sessions to enhance their disaster management skills, under Sonune’s guidance.
Risks and Vulnerabilities:
- Sonune underscores the city’s vulnerability to floods, exacerbated by the presence of the Mula and Mutha rivers and the nearby Khadakwasla project’s dam network.
- PMC recognizes the critical importance of proactive measures to mitigate flood risks and protect residents and infrastructure.
Collaborative Efforts:
- Collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority and other relevant agencies is emphasized to ensure effective coordination.
- Ongoing discussions with Pune Metro officials aim to address potential challenges, such as drainage obstruction caused by metro infrastructure.
Disaster Categories and Training:
- PMC identifies three primary disaster categories: floods, road accidents, and fires.
- Extensive training sessions conducted from December to March focus on disaster response, search and rescue operations, and safeguarding public property.
- Civil security forces actively participate in these training initiatives, enhancing the city’s disaster preparedness.
Formulation of SOPs:
- PMC is diligently crafting SOPs tailored to the specific disaster management needs of Pune.
- Once finalized, these guidelines will be distributed to all zonal offices of the Municipal Corporation, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in disaster response protocols citywide.
