Monsoon Alert: PMC Races to Prevent Waterlogging at 34 Critical Locations in Pune
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 16th June 2026: With the monsoon fast approaching and several long-term drainage projects still incomplete, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to implement temporary measures at 34 major waterlogging-prone locations across the city to mitigate flooding risks during the rainy season.
The decision was taken during a review meeting on pre-monsoon preparedness chaired by City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar. Officials from the drainage, road and disaster management departments, along with representatives from regional offices and the civic administration, participated in the meeting to assess the status of ongoing works aimed at preventing water accumulation across the city.
PMC had earlier identified nearly 250 waterlogging-prone locations, of which 120 were prioritised for immediate intervention. According to civic officials, work has been completed at 44 locations, while projects are currently underway at 42 others. However, 34 sites require extensive infrastructure upgrades that are unlikely to be completed before the onset of the monsoon.
As a result, the civic administration has opted for temporary solutions at these locations. Under the plan, the road department will undertake 15 works, ward offices will execute eight, and the drainage department will complete 11 interventions over the next two weeks.
Officials said that while permanent solutions are being planned, temporary arrangements have become necessary to minimise the impact of flooding during this monsoon season.
The review meeting also focused on drainage maintenance. Following the decentralisation of drainage-related works ordered by the Municipal Commissioner in October 2025, repairs and cleaning of drainage lines up to 600 mm in diameter are now being handled by ward offices, while larger drainage networks remain under the jurisdiction of the central drainage department.
To ensure a swift response during heavy rainfall, the civic body has directed officials to deploy jetting machines, jetting-cum-suction machines, grab machines and champion machines to clear blocked drains and underground pipelines. Special emphasis will also be placed on removing silt from drainage chambers and sewer lines.
Night-Shift Teams to Be Deployed
PMC has instructed ward offices to maintain night-shift teams throughout the monsoon season. At least five workers will be stationed at each ward office to respond to emergencies. Road maintenance vans will be deployed in coordination with local offices to facilitate the rapid drainage of accumulated rainwater during overnight downpours.
The administration has also directed ward offices and the disaster management department to ensure the availability of pumps at locations vulnerable to waterlogging, including roads and private properties.
24×7 Grievance Redressal Centre
To tackle monsoon-related emergencies, PMC will operate a round-the-clock grievance redressal centre through its disaster management department. Deputy engineers from the disaster management, road, drainage and anti-encroachment departments will be assigned night duties. A dedicated control room and helpline number will also be made available for citizens during the monsoon season.
