Elderly Couple from Vitthalwadi Devastated by Pune Floods Seek Permanent Solutions

Pune: Pune city faced yet another round of flooding due to heavy rains and dam discharge, leading to water entering many homes and causing significant distress. Among the affected were Vidya and Mukund Gosavi, an elderly couple living in Vitthalwadi, who found themselves grappling with the aftermath of the floods.

Vidya Gosavi, 67, and her husband Mukund, 75, have lived together in a simple two-room house in Vitthalwadi after the tragic premature deaths of both their children. Vidya earns a living by cooking for others, while Mukund takes on small roles in films and serials.

The recent flooding has added another crisis to their already challenging lives. On Sunday, water was released into the riverbed, but it overflowed into their home due to the obstructed stream flowing from Vitthalwadi. Encroachments and inadequate drainage have compounded the issue, causing sewage channels to overflow and flood the area.

Vidya left the house early that morning, but upon her return at 2 p.m., she found knee-deep water in their home. Struggling to open the door, she eventually succeeded, only to discover that their bed, washing machine, and other belongings were submerged. The couple had no choice but to spend the night in a nearby company’s office, as their home was uninhabitable.

Vidya expressed her frustration and distress while talking to the media, emphasising the need for permanent solutions to prevent such incidents. “Due to the stream encroachment and poor drainage, water entered our house again,” she lamented. She said on this occasion that it is necessary to take permanent measures so that water does not enter people’s houses again and again.