PMC To Renovate Seven Culverts To Prevent Flooding In Central Pune

Pune, 27th February 2025: In a bid to tackle frequent flooding in central Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced plans to renovate seven culverts, including those along the Nagzari Nala. These culverts, built 40 to 50 years ago, are too small to handle the increasing water flow, often leading to waterlogging in residential and commercial areas during heavy rains.

The renovation project, estimated to cost ₹16 crore, has been proposed in the Standing Committee. The PMC will fund the work under the Urban Flood Management scheme of the 15th Finance Commission, supported by the National Disaster Management Authority. Alongside the Nagzari Nala, culverts in five other areas across the city will also be widened to prevent water from overflowing into nearby properties.

Encroachments and rapid urbanization have significantly reduced the drainage capacity of the Nagzari Nala, which flows through densely populated commercial areas. Previous road constructions included drainage pipes based on older population estimates, but with the city’s growth, the volume of water entering the drain has increased. Sudden heavy rains in recent years have worsened the problem, with floodwaters affecting residential neighborhoods, the timber market, and shops in Bhawani Peth, causing substantial financial losses.

To mitigate this issue, the PMC will increase the size and height of the culverts, along with upgrading water-carrying pipes to enhance their drainage capacity. The project aims to prevent further flooding and protect both homes and businesses from water damage.

The renovation work will be carried out at the following locations:

– Vitthal Mandir, Wanwadi
– Sanskriti School, Undri
– Pandit Nehru Road, Bhawani Peth (two locations)
– Oxygen Park, Vadgaon Sheri
– Waghjai Mandir, Kondhwa
– Panch Pandav Society, Shivajinagar