At a recent high-level meeting with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Murli Mohol stressed that each civic official must be assigned specific responsibilities for pre-monsoon and monsoon works. The directive comes in response to past instances where lack of ownership and poor coordination led to delays in critical projects, resulting in inconvenience and hazards for citizens.
Each department and officer must have defined duties, such as cleaning stormwater drains, repairing roads, and maintaining pumping stations. Progress of monsoon works will be tracked through weekly reviews and field inspections. Dedicated teams must be on standby to address waterlogging, fallen trees, and other rain-related emergencies. Officials are to keep citizens informed about ongoing works, road closures, and safety advisories via local media and digital platforms.
Pune, like many Indian cities, faces significant challenges during the rainy season, including:
Waterlogging and Urban Flooding: Blocked drains and inadequate stormwater management can quickly lead to flooded streets and property damage.
Traffic Disruptions: Potholes, road cave-ins, and fallen trees often cause major traffic snarls.
Health Risks: Stagnant water can lead to outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.
By making individual officials accountable, the administration aims to ensure that preventive measures are taken on time, and emergency responses are swift and effective.
Comprehensive cleaning of stormwater drains and natural nullahs is underway to prevent blockages. Special attention is being given to low-lying and flood-prone areas. Road maintenance teams are working to fill potholes, repair damaged stretches, and ensure smooth traffic flow during the rains. Desilting operations are being conducted to enhance the water-carrying capacity of drains and rivers, reducing the risk of overflow. Critical infrastructure such as pumping stations, rainwater harvesting systems, and flood control mechanisms are being inspected and upgraded where necessary.
Murlidhar Mohol has also encouraged citizens to participate in monsoon preparedness by:
Reporting clogged drains, waterlogging, or damaged roads via PMC helplines and apps.
Cooperating with civic teams during cleaning and repair works.
Following safety advisories and updates issued by the administration.
Public feedback will be incorporated into ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and responsiveness.
The focus on accountability and proactive planning is expected to make a significant difference in Pune’s ability to handle the monsoon’s challenges. With clear roles, regular monitoring, and community engagement, the city aims to minimize disruptions and protect both lives and property.