Pune: Chandrakant Patil Denies Opposition Allegations Over Flood Mismanagement; Blames Unauthorised Constructions for Pune Floods

Pune: Pune district has been lashed by heavy rains, breaking a 32-year-record with 114.1 mm of rainfall in a single day. This sudden downpour has severely disrupted civic life, leaving many people homeless as water enters their homes. On this, residents and the opposition are targeting the government, holding it responsible for the situation.

Amidst this, the former Guardian Minister of Pune and Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, has reacted to the crisis. He arrived in Pune to review the flood situation in the city. Patil said, “Mumbai and Pune are experiencing extraordinary rainfall, with more rain falling in the dam areas.”

To find a permanent solution, Patil mentioned a World Bank project worth Rs 10,000 crore. He said, “We are planning a project with the World Bank’s assistance to divert the overflow of water to drought-affected areas of the state.

Currently, we have ordered the administration to conduct a panchnama of the affected areas and initiate relief work.”
Patil also denied the opposition’s allegations of sudden discharge from the dam without informing the public. He attributed the situation to unauthorised construction and drains in the riverbed. He criticised the opposition for their obstructive approach.

Earlier, opponents had criticised the river improvement project, claiming it caused flooding. Addressing this, Patil said, “River improvement projects in Pune do not happen overnight. They require extensive surveys. If it appears that this project has caused such a situation in Pune, experts on this matter should express their opinions.”

Meanwhile, the release of water from Khadakwasla Dam has been reduced since this morning. Now, only 13,000 cusecs of water are being released, down from 31,000 cusecs. This decision was made as rain stopped in the Khadakwasla dam chain area.

There is still a power outage in Ekta Nagar on Sinhagad Road in Pune. Drinking water has not yet been delivered by the Municipal Corporation, leaving residents without water for consumption. The people in this area are suffering significantly. Now that the water has receded, Pune Municipal Corporation’s cleaning staff is coming to clean the affected areas.