Pune, June 14:
A spell of intense rainfall early Friday led to severe waterlogging in the Bhosari locality of Pimpri-Chinchwad, causing significant disruption to daily life. Several roads were submerged, making vehicular movement difficult and posing challenges for pedestrians in one of the city’s busiest industrial and residential zones.
The downpour began in the early hours and continued for several hours, overwhelming the existing drainage system. Key streets in Bhosari were left waterlogged, affecting traffic flow and halting operations in small businesses across the region.
Drainage System Struggles to Cope
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) faced sharp criticism from residents who pointed to long-standing issues with the area’s stormwater drainage network. According to locals, this is not the first instance of flooding during monsoon season, but authorities have yet to implement permanent corrective measures.
“Every monsoon, we face the same problem. Water accumulates in front of shops and on the main roads. It affects our business and puts our safety at risk,” said a local trader in Bhosari.
Municipal Response Underway
In response to the situation, PCMC’s emergency teams were deployed to the affected sites. Pumps were used to remove the stagnant water, while officials monitored key junctions to divert traffic and ensure public safety. However, municipal engineers admitted that certain areas, particularly low-lying zones, require long-term drainage upgrades to prevent recurring floods.
An official from the PCMC acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We are currently focused on immediate relief, but detailed planning and infrastructure improvements are necessary to handle such high volumes of rain in the future.”
Transport and Business Disruptions
Due to the waterlogging, local transportation services experienced delays, and some bus routes were temporarily altered. Officegoers and schoolchildren also reported difficulties reaching their destinations. In industrial pockets of Bhosari, several workshops and small-scale units either delayed opening hours or remained shut due to water entering premises.
Videos circulated on social media showed motorcycles and cars struggling through flooded roads, sparking public concern and renewed calls for better civic preparedness.
Growing Concerns Over Climate and Urbanization
Experts warn that such incidents are likely to become more frequent due to rapid urbanization and changing climate patterns. The lack of integrated urban planning, particularly in rapidly growing suburbs like Pimpri-Chinchwad, has left many neighborhoods vulnerable during heavy rainfall.
Dr. Neelima Deshpande, a Pune-based environmental planner, commented, “Unregulated development and inadequate drainage design are key contributors to urban flooding. There’s a need for climate-resilient infrastructure and enforcement of zoning regulations.”
The flooding in Bhosari is yet another wake-up call for urban authorities to prioritize resilient infrastructure and pre-monsoon preparedness. As the rainy season continues, residents are urging the PCMC to take swift and effective action to prevent similar incidents in the coming weeks.
