Pune Waterlogging After Heavy Rain: Aditya Thackeray Targets BJP Over Infrastructure Failure
Pune, 5th April 2026: Heavy rainfall on April 2 triggered severe waterlogging across several parts of Pune, disrupting daily life and exposing gaps in the city’s infrastructure. The situation has since taken a political turn, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray strongly criticising the ruling BJP over the issue.
The cloudburst-like rainfall, which lasted for about two hours, flooded several roads across the city, with water levels rising up to knee height in many areas. In some locations, vehicles were seen partially submerged, while traffic came to a standstill, causing major inconvenience to residents.
Thackeray blamed the situation on administrative failure and environmental neglect, saying the rainfall itself was not unusual but the impact was due to poor urban planning. “Just pouring concrete is not development. This is not development, but a move towards destruction,” he said, targeting the BJP government.
He also pointed out that the BJP has been in power in the city for several years and held it responsible for the current civic situation. Opposition leaders warned that such problems would continue if the same development model is followed.
Thackeray further raised concerns about projects such as riverfront development, metro construction in unsuitable locations, and encroachments along riverbeds, which he claimed were contributing to frequent waterlogging in the city.
He also highlighted environmental issues including changes in flood lines, threats to Vetal Hill, and shrinking open spaces. Referring to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thackeray alleged that an area that was revived in 2021 is once again being filled with debris.
