Pune: PMC Faces Scrutiny Over Ignored Cables Blocking Storm Water Drains At Ramwadi Underpass 

Heavy rains two weeks ago exposed the poor quality of pre – monsoon clean up undertaken by Pune Municipal Corporation. Not only the city’s prime suburbs reported heavy water logging, the storm water lines also reported dumped cables which choked the lines leading to water logging. The poor quality of work and sheer negligence was criticised by many social activists. 

Qaneez Sukhrani, Convenor, Association of Nagar Road Citizens Forum told Pune Pulse, “We have raised multiple concerns with the PMC over the last 20 days regarding the blockage in storm water lines and chambers. However, we have not received any response to issues that pose a significant risk to public safety and indicate serious lapses in pre-monsoon checks.” 

At the Ramwadi Underpass, which experienced severe flooding and waterlogging. Upon our complaint, PMC claimed to have found mattresses and pillows stuffed in the drains. We now seek to know whether the PMC Commissioner will instruct a show-cause notice and suspension of the PMC officers who neglected their duties for over three weeks, added Sukhrani. 

While inspecting, PMC staff failed to remove cables that were neatly coiled above the open drainage.

In response to the flooding, PMC has stated that it has removed cables from storm water lines, identified the firm responsible for placing the cables in the stormwater chambers, and filed FIRs against the violators. The Forum has sent a letter to the PMC commissioner, demanding an explanation. 

The Municipal Commissioner of PMC needs to respond to the following:

1. Which rank of officers overseas, is responsible, and accountable for deep clean-ups of FOBs, subways, footpaths, manholes, and drainage covers?
2. Which rank of officers comprise the team in each Ward Office to perform this work?
3. Was this activity undertaken as a pre-monsoon measure given the visible destruction over the past month that affected the public?
4. If not undertaken, has PMC issued a show-cause notice to each responsible individual?
5. If no show-cause notices have been issued, why not?