Pune: PMC Waits for Funds Despite Approval for Urban Flood Mitigation

In a critical initiative aimed at tackling urban floods, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sanctioned ₹50 crore annually to Pune city under the Urban Flood Mitigation Programme from the fiscal year 2021-22. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has yet to receive these funds, despite the pressing need to mitigate the impact of urban floods that disrupt daily life and essential services.

Urban floods present a growing challenge for major cities, causing substantial damage and disrupting civic operations. The financial burden of managing these floods is typically shared between the state government and municipal corporations. Recognizing the severity of this issue, the 15th Finance Commission recommended targeted financial allocations to seven cities, including Pune, for flood mitigation efforts. NDMA subsequently approved ₹50 crore per annum for each city until 2026.

Despite these approvals and recommendations, Pune awaits the allocation that is crucial for implementing effective flood management strategies. The delay in disbursing funds raises concerns about the city’s preparedness to handle future flood events effectively.

Efforts to reduce the impact of urban floods are integral to disaster management priorities, necessitating timely financial support and proactive measures from authorities. The delay in fund allocation highlights the challenges in coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts at the municipal and state levels.