Pune, 21 August 2025: A year after floods wreaked havoc in Ekta Nagari along Sinhagad Road, the rehabilitation plan promised by the state government remains stuck without approval. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had submitted a detailed proposal to the Urban Development Department, but no decision has been taken so far.
In July 2024, heavy rainfall in the catchment area of the Khadakwasla dam caused the Mutha river to overflow, flooding several housing societies and shops in Ekta Nagari. Losses ran into crores of rupees.
At the time, then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and other political leaders visited the flood-hit area. Shinde assured residents that a cluster redevelopment scheme with special status would be introduced to ensure their permanent rehabilitation.
Despite this announcement, the proposal is still pending. This monsoon, fresh floods again entered Ekta Nagari, though the damage was less severe compared to last year. Still, residents complain that every rainy season forces them to live in constant fear of flooding.
According to PMC’s survey, the project will cover 103 buildings located within the blue and red flood lines. This includes 1,383 flats and 67 shops, spread over nearly 88,000 square meters of residential and commercial space. On the lines of a similar scheme in Thane, the cluster redevelopment is estimated to cost around ₹698 crore.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the civic body is following up with the state government for approval. He added that riverfront improvement works are also planned for the area to reduce the flood threat.