Pune: In a shocking discovery, unauthorized cables laid by private companies through stormwater drains in various parts of Pune city have been found to obstruct the flow of rainwater, leading to significant waterlogging on city roads. The municipal administration has now prioritized the removal of these cables.
Following heavy rains that turned city roads into rivers, municipal officials started inspecting stormwater drains this week. Unauthorized cables were discovered at Pu. La. Deshpande Garden on Narveer Tanaji Malusare Road (Sinhagad Road). These cables were blocking the drains, preventing proper water flow.
The Sewage and Maintenance department of PMC promptly removed the cables. Similar cable networks were found in the rainwater drains near Patil Hospital, Ranka Jewelers area, and Brahma Garden area. The Road Department and Sewage Department have taken serious note of this issue. The removal of these cables has commenced from Monday. Workers encountered electric shocks while removing some cables, prompting the need for joint action with support from other departments, according to PMC Superintendent Engineer Dinkar Gozare.
This issue came to light only after waterlogging occurred, casting doubt on the municipal corporation's previous claims of having cleaned the drains and rainwater channels. Had the cleaning been conducted properly before the monsoon, the unauthorized cables would have been discovered earlier. This incident has raised questions about the efficacy of the drain and rainwater channel cleaning efforts.
Unauthorized cables in the rainwater drains have now been removed. The obstruction caused by these cables was preventing proper drainage of rainwater. This is a serious matter, and a complaint will be filed with the police.
Aniruddha Pawaskar, Head of the Road Department, Pune Municipal Corporation
