PMC’s pre-monsoon works to begin soon, focus on cleaning waterlogging-prone spots

Pune: The civic administration's pre-monsoon preparations are expected to begin in the next two weeks as PMC has invited tenders to allot various works across the city to agencies, including in the 21 merged areas. While the main focus will remain on cleaning of nullahs, stormwater channels and drainage lines, this time the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has also decided to introduce a public address system in flood-prone areas to alert citizens on the status of water release in the river and provide updates on rainfall.All 15 ward offices are expected to oversee cleaning works in their respective areas. PMC will be spending around Rs45 crore on this entire exercise in the initial stages.Steps to start the annual process were expedited after city mayor Manjusha Nagpure held a meeting with civic officials last week, in which she asked the administration to finish all pre-monsoon cleaning works well in advance.Sources in the civic body said that with the return of corporators to PMC after a gap of four years, the civic administration is expected to be better prepared for the monsoon this year. Many corporators have said that they will be keenly watching cleaning of nullahs, and will propose strict action against haphazardly done works of inferior quality that may lead to waterlogging and flooding.Nilesh Nikam, leader of opposition in PMC, said that the civic administration should put serious efforts into cleaning of stormwater and drainage lines. "Every year, the city faces flooding, and submerged roads become a common sight during heavy spells of rain. Citizens are expecting the administration to tackle this problem effectively and reduce hardships," he said.Activists and residents alike have for years now flagged poor quality pre-monsoon works as the cause behind incessant waterlogging during the rainy season. Vivek Velankar of the Sajag Nagrik Manch said, "No third-party audit is donefor pre-monsoon works. We have been pressing for detailed audits and inspections." PMC has also identified 250 spots for probable waterlogging and rainwater accumulation. Some have been tackled and steps are being taken to work out measures at remaining spots, a civic official told TOI, requesting anonymity.The plan to introduce a public address system includes areas in flood-prone spots along both the Mula and Mutha rivers. The system will alert citizens on the status of rain, water levels and requirements of temporary relocations, if any. PMC will be spending Rs42 lakh in the first phase of execution of this initiative.