Pune: Pimple Nilakh Homes Flooded After Light Rain; Residents Question PCMC’s RFD Work

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimple Nilakh, 10th May 2025: Just 15 minutes of rainfall was enough to flood Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Pimple Nilakh area, leaving residents stunned as their homes filled with dirty water on Friday evening. Locals blamed the ongoing River Front Development (RFD) project by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), alleging it choked drainage outlets and blocked the natural flow of rainwater into the Mula River, causing an unprecedented flood-like situation after a relatively light summer shower.

However, the PCMC administration denied that the flooding was related to the RFD project, attributing it instead to a choke-up in the stormwater line.

Several environmental organizations have long opposed the RFD project, accusing it of harming rivers and disrupting the ecological balance. The flooding occurred around 4 PM in Panchasheel Nagar, a locality on the border of the PCMC and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) jurisdictions. The area lies near the Mula River, along the old road connecting Vishal Nagar (Wakad) with Baner and Aundh, and is situated close to a bridge.

Atul Kharat, a resident of Panchasheel Nagar, shared his distressing experience with Punekar News. “The rain was just normal summer rain. But suddenly, the water wasn’t draining. It just kept accumulating. Hundreds of homes were flooded with 3 to 4 feet of water, and it wasn’t receding, it was moving much slower than it should. I’ve lived here for over two decades, and even in past floods, the entire locality never got submerged like this. This time, light rain, which didn’t even raise the river level much, flooded our homes,” he said.

“This is happening because of the RFD work near our area. The construction has blocked the drains. There’s no proper outlet for the water anymore. Electrical appliances were damaged, and small children had to help remove water from homes. I’ve filed a complaint on the PCMC Sarathi portal. Let’s see what they do now,” Kharat added.

The RFD project in PCMC has been under increasing scrutiny from residents, environmentalists, and civil society groups. Critics argue the project narrows the natural width of the Mula riverbed, heightening the risk of urban flooding. Concerns have also been raised about the ecological fallout of tree felling and debris dumping, which may threaten biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

Opponents claim the RFD prioritizes beautification and commercial development over genuine river rejuvenation. They urge the municipal body to focus on cleaning the river, stopping sewage inflows, and restoring its natural flow. Activists have further criticized the lack of transparent public consultation and inadequate environmental impact assessments.

Sanjay Kulkarni, Chief Engineer 1 and in-charge of PCMC’s Environmental Engineering Department, however, denied the RFD project’s involvement in the flooding. Speaking to Punekar News, he said, “We received reports about flooding in Pimple Nilakh. I personally visited the area along with a few officials, the BGS team, and DRA. The site is a low-lying area with a nearby nallah. It was concluded that the flooding was due to a choke-up in the stormwater line and had nothing to do with the River Front Development Project.”