By Tejas

Pune, July 25, 2024: Pimpri Chinchwad city has been grappling with heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread waterlogging and disruptions. In view of this, the municipal corporation has activated emergency response systems to address the situation.

Commissioner Singh informed that residents living along the riverbanks have been alerted, and those in vulnerable locations have been relocated to safer areas. "We are working on a war footing. "All necessary facilities, including food, have been provided to those shifted," Singh stated." The administration has deployed water pumping vehicles to clear accumulated water in low-lying areas and is continuously alerting citizens through loudspeakers.

In response to the emergency, the municipal corporation, along with the fire brigade, has fully operationalized the emergency control room in both the head office and all regional offices. "We are handling the situation with immediate coordination with our emergency systems," Singh said. He also confirmed that close communication is being maintained with the NDRF, Bombay Engineering Group, and Aundh Brigade to ensure readiness for any emergency scenarios. "We are in constant touch with the Chief Minister's Office, Deputy Chief Minister's Office, Pune District Guardian Minister, and the Collector's Office," Singh added, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts.

As per the information, there are waterlogging and traffic disruptions on the Pune-Nashik highway, near Panjarpol in Bhosari. Water flow on both sides has caused significant traffic issues. Rainwater accumulation has been reported near Mehta Hospital in the Mother Teresa Home area, and waterlogging has been noted at Landgenagar along the road to Indrayaninagar. "As soon as we receive a complaint, we send a team and a water pumping system vehicle to the spot to address the issue," Singh explained.

Furthermore, river water has entered huts in Kannadavasti Ambedkar Nagar in Juni Sangvi and the Madhuban Society area in Sangvi. Furthermore, there are also reports of tree felling in some areas and waterlogging in places such as Punavale Road subway, Morwadi Laltopinagar area, and the Aundh Rawet BRT route.

In Thergaon Gas Dahini, rising water levels have necessitated the stoppage of power supply. The administration has ordered the emergency system to remain vigilant and has assigned regional office-wise coordination to additional commissioners. As a safety measure, all schools in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area have been ordered to remain closed today.

The administration has urged citizens to be cautious and venture out only if necessary. "There is a possibility of an increase in the river water level. Although the release of water from Pavana Dam has not started, considering the rainfall in the dam area, we anticipate a rise in the water level in the river basin, Singh said." To pre-empt potential flooding, the administration has begun relocating riverbank residents to safer locations.