Pune: Rs 147 Crore NDMA Tender Under Scrutiny After Waterlogging, Corporator Raises Questions
Pune, 5th April 2026: Two days after unseasonal heavy rainfall caused flood-like conditions in several parts of Pune, concerns have been raised over delays in civic works meant to prevent waterlogging. Corporator Suhas Tingre has alleged that along with natural factors, administrative lapses and delays in executing drainage-related projects by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and contractors have contributed to the recurring problem.
The recent rainfall led to waterlogging in many parts of the city, causing losses worth lakhs of rupees to citizens. While no casualties were reported, the situation once again highlighted the city’s vulnerability to flooding during sudden spells of rain.
According to Tingre, a similar situation had occurred two years ago following unseasonal rains. At that time, then Vadgaon Sheri MLA Sunil Tingre and then Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar conducted inspection visits and identified around 22 locations in the Vadgaon Sheri constituency where urgent works were required to prevent flooding.
Subsequently, a tender worth around Rs 147 crore was floated under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) framework for flood mitigation works at about 60 locations across Pune. Of these, 22 locations were in the Vadgaon Sheri constituency. The work was awarded to M. B. Patil Construction Company.
However, Tingre alleged that despite two years having passed, the progress of the project has been slow. According to the Municipal Corporation, only four of the 22 works have been completed while 10 are said to be in progress. However, during an on-site inspection, only two works were found to be ongoing. Municipal officials, engineers from Primo Consultant Company and representatives of the contractor were present during the inspection, he said.
Tingre also alleged that incorrect information regarding the status of the projects was presented in the PMC’s general body meeting to shield the contractor. When the matter was raised in the Standing Committee meeting, officials stated that show-cause notices had been issued to the concerned engineers and to Primo Consultant Company. However, no concrete action has been taken against the contractor so far, he claimed.
He further alleged that the delay in completing the remaining works is putting citizens at risk in areas such as Dhanori, Lohgaon, Porwal Road, Kese Park, Kalwad and Kharadi in the Vadgaon Sheri constituency.
“Serious questions arise about accountability. If such flood-like situations occur again in the future and lead to loss of life or property, will criminal cases be registered against those responsible?” Tingre said.
He also alleged irregularities in the tendering process at the Yerawada Ward Office, claiming that certain contractors were being given preferential treatment.
Meanwhile, following the recent spell of unseasonal rain, the Pune Municipal Corporation has identified 227 waterlogging spots across the city and announced that priority works will be undertaken at 120 critical locations. However, Tingre pointed out that some of these locations were already included in the NDMA tender floated two years ago and work orders had been issued, yet work has not begun at those sites.
Raising further concerns, Tingre questioned whether the civic administration was waiting for a major disaster to occur before taking strict action against the contractor.
He added that he would continue to pursue the issue and raise it in the PMC in the interest of public safety.
“As a responsible opposition member in the Pune Municipal Corporation, I will continue to follow up on this matter and raise my voice in the interest of citizens,” Tingre said.
