Unseasonal Rain Hits 2,356 Hectares of Crops across Pune District
Pune, 3rd April 2024: Unseasonal rain accompanied by hailstorms has damaged crops over 2,356 hectares across 129 villages in 10 talukas of Pune district, officials said.
According to data shared by the district agriculture officer, Shirur was the worst affected, with nearly 1,326 hectares of crops damaged across 17 villages. Other badly hit talukas include Indapur (296 hectares), Ambegaon (265 hectares) and Daund (205 hectares). Officials said crops such as onion, vegetables, jowar and wheat have suffered the most damage.
Two deaths were reported in rain-related incidents. A 57-year-old woman died on Sinhagad Road after a tree fell on her, while a 53-year-old man was killed in Khed taluka after a wall at an under-construction site collapsed due to strong winds.
Within Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, heavy rain on April 2 triggered multiple emergency complaints, including waterlogging, clogged drainage chambers and water entering residential premises. Around 146 such complaints were received, along with about 21 incidents of tree falls. Officials said prompt assistance was provided through respective ward offices.
The district administration said its disaster management department is coordinating with various agencies to provide immediate relief. Officials have been directed to carry out spot inspections and prepare damage assessment reports (panchnama) in affected areas.
An emergency control room has been activated, and helpline numbers have been issued by the district disaster management cell for public assistance.
