Pune: PMC To Dismantle Obsolete Barrages In City Rivers

Pune, 9th January 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to remove old and outdated barrages in riverbeds across the city, citing their lack of utility and the risk of flooding caused by sediment accumulation. These barrages, no longer in use, obstruct water flow when water is released from dams, leading to potential flood situations.

PMC Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. stated that the civic body plans to coordinate with the Water Resources Department to dismantle these structures and remove vegetation that blocks the natural flow of water in the rivers.

Several barrages in the Mula-Mutha rivers, including those near Vrudheshwar-Siddheshwar Ghat, Dengle Bridge, Shivane, Khadki, and Sangvi, are outdated and serve no functional purpose. Over time, these structures have caused sediment buildup, which disrupts water flow, particularly during dam water releases. To address this issue, PMC intends to dismantle the barrages at its own expense after communicating with the respective agencies that built them.

Additionally, vegetation obstructing water flow in the riverbeds will be cleared in coordination with the Water Resources Department. Prithviraj also mentioned that work orders are being processed for desilting Katraj, Jambhulwadi, and Pashan lakes to improve water management in the city.

During a recent review of sewage pipelines, PMC observed uneven maintenance across wards. Some areas reported significant progress, while others lagged behind. Officials have been instructed to prioritize essential maintenance tasks, including repairing stormwater drains, connecting drainage pipelines, and fixing broken chambers. A comparative record of complaints and resolutions will also be maintained to improve accountability, he added.

Prithviraj further highlighted that a meeting was held to assess actions taken based on a committee’s report aimed at preventing urban flooding. Discussions included the number of flood-prone areas addressed, the availability and use of equipment such as water pumps, and budget provisions required for further flood mitigation efforts.