‘Arrange Boats for Citizens’: Suhas Tingre Mocks PMC Over Waterlogged Roads in Pune
Pune, 8th July 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Standing Committee member and Corporator Suhas Tingre on Wednesday criticised the civic administration over delays in flood mitigation projects in Wadgaon Sheri, sarcastically suggesting that the administration should “arrange boats” for residents and Warkaris if it cannot ensure motorable roads during the monsoon.
Speaking at the weekly Standing Committee meeting, Tingre expressed strong displeasure over the delay in implementing approved works aimed at providing a permanent solution to the recurring flooding in the Wadgaon Sheri Assembly constituency.
“Considering the condition of the roads, the administration should at least make immediate arrangements for boats so that residents and Warkaris can travel safely,” he remarked, taking a swipe at the PMC over the persistent waterlogging in the area.
Tingre said tenders for flood mitigation works at vulnerable locations under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) were floated in June 2024. However, despite consistently pursuing the projects for the past two years, work has not commenced at most locations.
He further alleged that even at sites where work had begun, construction has remained stalled over the past few days, leaving several roads submerged and resembling rivers and streams during the ongoing monsoon.
“As a result, citizens are facing severe inconvenience every time it rains,” he said.
The corporator also pointed out that a large number of Warkari pilgrims are currently staying in the Wadgaon Sheri area as part of the annual Palkhi procession. He questioned who would be held responsible if an untoward incident were to occur due to the prevailing flood-like conditions.
Tingre urged the civic administration to immediately resume and complete the pending flood mitigation projects, implement effective long-term measures to prevent recurring flooding, and ensure safe movement for residents during the monsoon.
His sarcastic remark about operating boats on Wadgaon Sheri’s roads has once again brought the spotlight on the pace of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s flood control and infrastructure works.
