Tejas Navale

Pune: Heavy rains lashed Pune district yesterday, causing significant disruptions and raising serious questions about the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) pre-monsoon preparations. The Dhanori area, in particular, experienced severe flooding, affecting shopkeepers and local residents alike.

The downpour began in the afternoon and quickly escalated into a flood-like situation in Dhanori. Streets turned into rivers, and water swiftly entered homes and businesses, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. This unexpected deluge has disrupted daily life, causing substantial damage to property and posing a significant inconvenience to the people of Dhanori.

Residents and shopkeepers in Dhanori have voiced their concerns and frustrations. They claim that despite the PMC's assurances and annual expenditure of crores of rupees on pre-monsoon preparations, the city was ill-prepared for the heavy rains. "The first rains of the monsoon have shown us the reality of the PMC's work. Our homes and shops are flooded, and we are left to deal with the aftermath," said a distressed local shopkeeper.

The situation was particularly dire on the roads, where water levels rose to knee-deep in some areas. Vehicles, including four-wheelers parked on the streets, were submerged, adding to the chaos. Videos of the flooded streets and inundated homes have gone viral on social media, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

The rainfall lasted for a short time but left a lasting impact. Residents are now questioning the efficacy of the PMC's pre-monsoon efforts. "If this is the condition after just a few hours of rain, what will happen when the monsoon fully sets in?" asked a concerned resident. The inability of the drainage systems to handle the water effectively has led to widespread dissatisfaction and anger among Pune's taxpayers.

The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in the coming 48 hours in the state. The department has issued a yellow alert for rain in several districts of Konkan, Vidarbha, and Marathwada, including Pune. With the possibility of more heavy rainfall, the residents fear that the situation could worsen if immediate measures are not taken.

In response to the crisis, the PMC is under intense scrutiny. The recurring issue of waterlogging and the apparent lack of adequate pre-monsoon preparations have put the municipal corporation in a tight spot. Residents are demanding accountability and swift action to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing monsoon season.