The monsoon’s first heavy showers have once again turned Tathawade in Pimpri-Chinchwad into a waterlogged nightmare, as overflowing streets, missing drainage, and a glaring absence of civic officials highlight the area’s ongoing urban crisis. With no effective drainage system in place and a lack of accountability from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), residents are left wading through knee-deep water and frustration.
Tathawade, a rapidly developing suburb known for its IT parks and residential complexes, has been at the center of Pune’s urban expansion. However, the pace of real estate growth has far outstripped the development of basic infrastructure, especially drainage.
Over the past week, several neighborhoods in Tathawade have reported severe waterlogging, with rainwater flooding roads, parking lots, and even ground-floor homes. Local resident Priya Kulkarni shared, “Every year, we face the same issue. There’s no proper drainage, and after every downpour, the water just accumulates. The authorities are nowhere to be seen.”
As complaints mounted, residents say that calls to the PCMC helpline went unanswered. No municipal teams were seen inspecting the worst-affected areas, and local corporators have reportedly failed to visit the site or provide updates on relief measures.
“Officials only show up before elections or for photo-ops. When we really need help, they’re missing,” said Rahul Patil, a shopkeeper whose business has suffered repeated losses due to water damage.
The lack of response has sparked outrage among residents and civic activists, who accuse the municipal corporation of neglect and mismanagement. Despite repeated assurances of new drainage projects and improved urban planning, little has changed on the ground.
The crisis in Tathawade is a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and responsive governance. As monsoon rains intensify, residents are calling on the PCMC to prioritize drainage and flood management not just for Tathawade, but for all rapidly growing suburbs in Pune.
