Pune: Contractors Neglect Silt Removal After Drainage Cleaning, Undermining PMC’s Monsoon Preparedness

Pune, 3rd May 2025: Contractors working on Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) pre-monsoon drainage cleaning are leaving silt and debris beside chambers instead of removing it promptly, causing it to flow back into drains due to passing vehicles and pedestrians. This negligence is evident in areas like Sadashiv Peth, Navi Peth, Lokmanya Nagar and Sinhagad Road, where the intended benefits of the cleaning are being lost as the waste re-enters the drainage system.

Despite the PMC’s plan to complete all monsoon-preparedness work by 31st May, including both cleaning and removal of silt, contractors are reportedly delaying removal under the pretext that wet silt is too heavy to transport. As a result, silt is left to dry on the roadside, only to be scattered back onto streets or swept into drains by wind and traffic. This undermines the effectiveness of the entire operation, as cleaning staff end up repeatedly sweeping the same dirt back into the chambers.

Citizens have raised concerns and demanded immediate action from the PMC administration, warning that if silt is not removed quickly, the purpose of the drainage cleaning is defeated and the city remains at risk of waterlogging during the monsoon. The PMC has been urged to ensure that silt is cleared without delay to make monsoon-preparedness efforts truly effective.