MIDC steps up efforts to prevent waterlogging in Hinjewadi this monsoon

Pune: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has completed pre-monsoon work on an arterial road in Phase 2 of the Hinjewadi IT Park, which was severely affected by waterlogging during last year’s monsoon.As part of the measures, MIDC has constructed four nullahs across the main road in Phase 2 to facilitate the runoff of rainwater from the elevated areas running parallel to the road.“The nullahs have been constructed between Wipro Circle and Quadron Circle in Phase 2 of the IT park to prevent the accumulation of water on the road,” said Rajendra Totla, executive engineer, MIDC.“Most commuters travelling to Phases 2 and 3 have horrible memories of roads being submerged due to waterlogging in June last year. Many of us had to leave our vehicles at offices or midway and take shelter in office buildings. We are hopeful that the measures taken this year will be sufficient to prevent a repeat of the situation during this monsoon,” said Piyush Sharma, a techie working with an MNC in the IT park.Totla also said some residential complexes and companies in Phase 2 are discharging untreated sewage into cross-drain pipes, leading to blockages that could negate the benefits of the work already carried out. Officials from MIDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are considering a joint inspection of the area to identify entities that are not operating their sewage treatment plants (STPs) properly.Separately, MIDC has cleaned gutters, drains beneath footpaths and cable ducts across all three phases of the IT park. Nearly 25km of drains have been cleaned, as large quantities of garbage had accumulated in the gutters and ducts. The agency has also laid cross-ducts beneath roads at several locations to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.“Most of the pre-monsoon work has been completed. We have also kept heavy-duty earth-moving equipment ready to tackle any unforeseen situations that may arise during the monsoon,” Totla said.Road asphalting and levelling work beneath the Metro line is also nearing completion to ensure it does not pose a traffic hazard for commuters.