PMC identifies new waterlogging prone spots in city, forms quick response teams

Jolted into action after the city witnessed rainwater flooding in various areas, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started to identify spots that are prone to waterlogging and began forming quick response teams in each of the 15 ward offices to resolve rain-related issues that inconvenience to citizens. “Water logging on city roads occurs due to garbage and debris blocking stormwater drains. The spots have been identified in the past. Thus, the garbage and debris have to be removed from the covers of drains to so that water can flow smoothly, thereby reducing flooding. It was decided that health department staff of every ward office will be deputed to assist existing staff to help speed up the cleaning work,” said municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosale. The lids of stormwater drains have to be repaired and properly placed to avoid any untoward incident. He said the ward offices have been directed to identify new spots prone to water logging. “Cleaning the drainage line has been completed, so a list of locations from where water can come out needs to be prepared,” Bhosale said. All ward offices have been asked to form a quick response team to resolve monsoon-related issues in their respective jurisdictions, Bhosale said. He added that this work will be conducted in shifts throughout the day till October 30. Bhosale said that the PMC has activated a round the clock disaster management cell in the main building. He said the ward offices should set up a disaster management cell for their respective areas and inform citizens about its operations. The civic administration action comes after the city witnessed floods and water logging at Satara Road, Karve Road, Nagar Road and Vishrantwadi. The civic body has also entrusted garden department staff in each ward office to remove branches and trees that could cause untoward incidents.