Pune: Several homes and a tenement in Vinode Nagar area were flooded due to the blockage of natural streams and water channels by developers in Wakad, This resulted in significant hardship for the affected poor families.
An old stream that used to carry rainwater from Vinode Nagar and surrounding fields has been blocked, causing recurring problems every monsoon season.
This year, the heavy rainfall led to severe flooding, with water beginning to rise on Wednesday night and reaching around six feet by Thursday morning in the homes of Vishal Vinode and Sagar Vinode.
The 32 daily wage earners living in the tenement suffered major losses as all their food and grocery supplies were washed away. The families had to evacuate their homes with their children and find shelter with relatives and friends.
By Friday, the water had partially receded. Residents are demanding the immediate completion of the 24-meter DP road from Vinode Nagar Chowk to Alhat Vasti and the installation of a rainwater drainage system to prevent future flooding.
Vishal Vinode, an affected resident says, "The stream no longer exists, but completing the road from Vinode Nagar Chowk to Alhat Vasti would provide relief.
Eighty percent of the land acquisition for this road has been completed. If the issues of a few local residents are resolved amicably, there will be no obstacle to the road construction.
However, the administration is neglecting this matter. Today's rain has caused the field boundaries to wash away, resulting in significant losses."
