Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued notices to 85 residents of Kalwad settlement for constructing homes on drainage channels and storm water drains.

The residents, initially fearful, found relief when MLA Sunil Tingre intervened, proposing that the storm water be diverted through concealed pipelines to the main drain instead of demolishing homes. This suggestion has been well-received by the community.

MLA Sunil Tingre, along with Executive Engineer Rohidas Gavhane from the construction department, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Chandrasen Nagtilak from the Yerawada Regional Office, Junior Engineers Nitin Chandane and Suhas Albar, as well as other officials and local residents, conducted an inspection of the Kalwad settlement.

Last monsoon, heavy flooding in Kalwad resulted in significant waterlogging, with water levels reaching up to 10 feet in low-lying areas, causing extensive damage.

Following this, the local residents protested, drawing the attention of the municipal authorities. The PMC construction department then issued notices to 85 residents who had built homes on the drainage channels, warning them to remove the encroachments or face action.

This notice caused panic among the residents, prompting them to seek help from MLA Sunil Tingre. Tingre, after inspecting the area with municipal officials, directed them to find alternative solutions to save the homes. He suggested that the drainage and sewer lines be rerouted through concealed pipelines to prevent future flooding.

MLA Tingre stated that residents have been living in this area for many years. If constructions were made on the drainage channels and storm water drains, the PMC should have stopped them at the time of construction. Now, instead of demolishing the homes, the storm water lines can be installed, as demonstrated to the officials during the site visit.

Executive Engineer Rohidas Gavhane of the construction department mentioned that the necessary encroachments have been removed to lay the sewer lines. If any additional encroachments obstructing the storm water drains need to be removed, they will be.

Suhas Albar, Engineer from the Sewerage Department, said a survey will be conducted to ensure proper water drainage, as suggested by the MLA.