Pune Municipal Corporation Gets Special Powers to Remove Cables from Monsoon Water Channels
Pune, 8th May 2025: In a significant move to tackle flooding during the monsoon, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been granted special powers to directly remove unauthorized cables and encroachments from city stormwater drains, without requiring prior approval from the District Collector.
The move follows an amendment to the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, which now empowers Municipal Commissioners under the Urban Disaster Management Authority to take preventive and emergency measures, including flood mitigation efforts, within city limits.
Until now, PMC needed the District Collector’s permission to take action under the Disaster Management Act. However, with this new authority, officials will be able to act swiftly against obstructions that block the natural flow of rainwater—one of the major causes of urban flooding in Pune.
Speaking after a monsoon preparedness review meeting, Additional Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. said, “Private mobile companies have laid several cables inside the city’s monsoon water channels. These obstructions will be removed on priority.” He added that the Road Department has already been directed to take immediate action.
Officials from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Public Works Department (PWD), and MahaMetro were also present at the meeting. It was observed that cables near several metro stations posed a serious risk of waterlogging at multiple points.
“In at least three to four locations near metro infrastructure, the presence of these cables could lead to water accumulation during heavy rain. We’ve given the concerned cable companies a deadline of four days to remove them. If they fail to act, the Municipal Corporation will carry out the removal without further notice,” Prithviraj said.
With the onset of monsoon approaching, PMC is intensifying efforts to clear all blockages from drains and stormwater channels. The civic body has warned of strict enforcement to ensure the safety and preparedness of the city during the rainy season.
