Only in Pune!
After a spell of torrential rain left city roads waterlogged, a local resident took matters and a boat into his own hands. In a striking and unconventional protest, he sailed down a flooded street, drawing attention to Pune’s chronic drainage and infrastructure problems. The incident has since gone viral, sparking widespread discussion about civic responsibility and urban planning in the city.
On May 21, 2025, after hours of relentless monsoon rain, several parts of Pune were submerged under knee-deep water. While most residents struggled to navigate the waterlogged streets, one enterprising individual decided to highlight the city’s woes in a truly memorable way—by launching a small boat right onto the main road.
Eyewitnesses captured videos and photos of the man paddling his boat past stranded vehicles and frustrated commuters. The images quickly spread across social media, with many users humorously remarking, “This can only happen in Pune!”
While the sight was amusing, the protest carried a serious message. The resident’s creative act was a direct response to:
Poor Drainage Systems: Despite repeated complaints, many Pune neighborhoods face severe waterlogging every monsoon due to inadequate drainage infrastructure.
Civic Apathy: The protest was aimed at drawing the attention of municipal authorities to the urgent need for better maintenance and long-term solutions.
Public Frustration: With daily life disrupted by flooding, citizens are demanding accountability and action from local government bodies.
The boat protest quickly became the talk of the town, with hashtags like #OnlyInPune and #PuneFloods trending on social media. While many praised the protester’s ingenuity and sense of humor, others saw it as a wake-up call for civic authorities.
Pune’s rapid urbanization has outpaced the development of its drainage and stormwater management systems. Key contributing factors include:
Encroachment on Natural Waterways: Construction on riverbanks and natural drainage channels has reduced the city’s ability to absorb rainwater.
Lack of Regular Maintenance: Blocked drains and garbage accumulation worsen flooding during heavy rains.
Insufficient Infrastructure Upgrades: Many parts of the city still rely on outdated drainage systems, unable to cope with intense monsoon showers.
Following the viral protest, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials have promised to:
Conduct emergency inspections of flood-prone areas.
Clear blocked drains and deploy additional pumps in low-lying zones.
Review and accelerate long-term plans for drainage and flood management.
However, residents are urging for sustained action, not just temporary fixes.