88 Nullah Spots in Pune to Get Retaining Walls to Curb Monsoon Flooding; Rs 200 Cr Plan Underway

Pune, 14th October 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has identified 88 locations along the city’s nullahs for constructing retaining walls and strengthening culverts, in a phased project costing Rs 200 crore. The initiative aims to prevent recurring flooding during the monsoon, with work expected to begin within the next two months.

PMC officials said the tendering process is currently underway, with technical and administrative details being finalised. “These retaining walls will provide significant relief to residents living in flood-prone areas along the nullahs,” said a senior civic official.

The project stems from proposals made after the devastating 2019 floods. Progress, however, has been slow, with only partial completion on certain stretches. Funding constraints and procedural issues led to delays, including a cancelled tender last year due to technical flaws and alleged irregularities.

Initially, five separate tenders were issued across the city’s civic zones. Now, a single consolidated tender valued at Rs 166 crore has been floated to appoint an implementing agency. The total project cost, including GST, taxes, and additional expenses, is estimated at Rs 200 crore. The government has provided an initial installment of Rs 29.8 crore, with further disbursements planned in phases as work progresses, according to PMC drainage department head Jagdish Khanore.

Retaining walls are planned for vulnerable areas such as Sinhagad Road, Shivajinagar, Khadakwasla, Parvati, Kothrud, and parts of Pune Cantonment. For instance, a retaining wall is proposed along the Bhairoba nullah flowing through Wanowrie, BT Kawde Road, Sant Gadge Maharaj slum, and Dias plot. In Parvati, 14 sites along nullahs in Mukundnagar, Maharishinagar, Gururaj Society, Indiranagar, Bibwewadi, and surrounding areas have been earmarked. The length of walls will vary depending on local conditions, focusing on sections highly susceptible to flooding.

Local residents have voiced frustration over delays. “Residents along the nullahs are unhappy with repeated postponements. Many projects initiated by the administration remain unfinished. Housing societies cannot bear the cost, so the government and PMC must ensure these walls are constructed,” said Nitin Kadam, an activist from the Parvati-Sahakarnagar area.