Pune: Residents Allege Drainage Failure in Mohammadwadi as Sewage Floods Residential Roads

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Mohammadwadi, 13th July 12, 2026
Residents of Ganga Kingston in NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi, have alleged that overflowing drainage lines have turned internal roads into streams of foul-smelling sewage, creating what they describe as a serious public health hazard. They claim the problem has persisted despite repeated complaints to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), forcing pedestrians, schoolchildren and senior citizens to wade through contaminated water every day.

The overflowing sewage has spread across roads near the residential complex, emitting a strong stench and raising fears of water-borne diseases during the ongoing monsoon. Residents said the stagnant wastewater has made daily commuting difficult and hazardous while also creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

According to locals, the area’s drainage infrastructure is either damaged or inadequate to handle the sewage load. They alleged that after every spell of rain, sewage overflows from drainage chambers and inundates the roads for several hours, disrupting normal life.

Resident Jaymala Dhankikar said the situation has become unbearable and accused the civic administration of failing to provide a permanent solution despite repeated complaints.

“Residents are living in unhygienic conditions because sewage is flowing openly on the roads. The foul smell is unbearable and there is a genuine fear of diseases. We have complained several times, but there has been no permanent solution. The PMC must immediately repair the drainage system before the situation deteriorates further,” she said.

Resident Shoaib Shaikh said citizens have grown frustrated with the recurring problem.

“Every monsoon, the same issue returns. Families, children and senior citizens are forced to walk through dirty sewage water. It reflects a complete failure of civic planning and maintenance. The authorities cannot continue to ignore such a serious public health issue,” he said.

Another resident, Jumman Shaikh, said the overflowing sewage poses a risk not only to residents but also to visitors and delivery personnel entering the society.

“People are forced to step into contaminated water just to enter or leave their homes. This is unacceptable in a modern residential area. Immediate desilting and reconstruction of the damaged drainage network are the need of the hour,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, resident Anzar Rade said taxpayers deserve basic civic infrastructure.

“We are not asking for luxury. We are demanding basic sanitation and safe roads. Overflowing sewage in a residential locality is a direct threat to public health. PMC officials must inspect the site immediately and undertake permanent repairs instead of temporary measures,” he said.
Resident Jay Nair alleged that the recurring drainage overflow points to deeper infrastructure deficiencies.

“The problem has become chronic. Temporary cleaning provides relief for only a short period before the sewage starts overflowing again. A comprehensive technical assessment and a long-term solution are urgently required. Residents deserve better civic services,” he said.
Another resident, Ganesh, said the overflowing sewage has become a daily ordeal and reflects years of neglected civic infrastructure.

“This is not an isolated incident but a recurring civic failure. Residents should not be forced to live amid overflowing sewage despite paying property taxes. The PMC must immediately undertake a scientific inspection of the drainage network, address the root cause and ensure such incidents do not recur. Public health cannot be compromised any longer,” he said.

Responding to the allegations, the Superintending Engineer of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Drainage Department Sanjay Gaikwad, said the department’s inspection had been delayed due to the deployment of civic staff for the Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession.

“We were engaged in Palkhi-related duties yesterday. Our team will soon visit the affected location, examine the exact cause of the drainage overflow and assess the situation. Based on our findings, we will take appropriate steps to implement a proper and long-term solution,” the Superintending Engineer said.

Residents have urged the PMC to immediately deploy engineering teams to inspect the drainage network, clear blockages, repair damaged pipelines and implement a permanent solution before the ongoing monsoon further aggravates the situation. They warned that if prompt action is not taken, the overflowing sewage could pose serious public health risks, increase the spread of water-borne diseases and mosquito breeding, and affect thousands of residents in the NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi area.

They have also appealed to the civic body to treat the issue as a public health priority and strengthen the drainage infrastructure to prevent similar incidents during future monsoon seasons.