Pune experienced heavy rainfall on September 1st, leading to extensive waterlogging in various parts of the city, with Viman Nagar being severely affected. Frustrated by the recurring issue of waterlogging, residents took to the streets on September 3rd, displaying banners with sarcastic messages directed at the Municipal Corporation.
The sudden return of heavy rains after a month’s respite caught many Pune residents off guard. While the rainfall was welcomed, its intensity resulted in severe waterlogging in various areas, causing distress among locals. Viman Nagar, in particular, resembled a waterlogged lake.
Expressing their frustration over municipal mismanagement leading to waterlogging, citizens displayed banners with messages criticizing the Municipal Corporation. One banner sarcastically suggested that the funds allocated for monsoon preparations had ended up “in the water” along with the airport area.
Sachin Lokhande, a Viman Nagar resident, highlighted the recurring issue, saying, “Citizens found it challenging to leave their homes due to these conditions, which occur annually. Numerous complaints have been filed with the municipality, but the issue persists. It is said that tenders were issued for monsoon preparations, and the work was executed. However, it appears that the monsoon line in this area consistently disappears, given that water accumulates here every year.”
Viman Nagar is home to numerous elite societies, commercial establishments, prominent malls, and the IT sector, resulting in a significant population. Traffic jams occurred on both Saturday and Sunday due to waterlogging, causing significant inconvenience to the public.
Shailesh Mutha expressed his exasperation with the municipal administration, saying, “If such a situation recurs every year, it raises questions about the efficacy of the municipal administration in this area.”
Despite substantial investments in drainage infrastructure, the actual execution of work has fallen short, as the roads in Viman Nagar remained submerged in knee-deep water. The persistent issue of waterlogging has raised concerns, especially considering the municipality’s failure to address it. Residents are now demanding a thorough investigation into drainage and monsoon line work in the area, as well as punitive action against contractors responsible for inadequate execution.
