Pune: Housing societies within floodline being surveyed in Ekta Nagari

Pune: The Building Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is surveying housing societies in Ekta Nagar located within the blue floodline. Its report will be available within the next 10 days.

These societies were flooded in the recent floods. The State Government plans to change the construction regulations to permanently rehabilitate citizens from this area.

Houses and societies along Sinhagad Road in Ekta Nagari, Warje, Khilare Vasti, Pulachi Wadi were inundated on July 25 after 35,000 cusecs water was released from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha river.

The affected citizens did not get a prior intimation about the water discharge. Hence, their household items and belongings were damaged. It was alleged that the discharge could have been higher than 35,000 cusecs.

Taking serious note of the floods, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, DyCM Ajit Pawar and many other state leaders visited Ekta Nagari. Shinde interacted with the flood-affected people. He came to know that constructions were done within the gram panchayat limits. The floodline was not determined then. Therefore, the constructions were not illegal.

CM Shinde’s announcement

CM Eknath Shinde visited the area. Many hutments were inundated. Since they were not illegal, they would be rehabilitated by changing the building regulations.

Their rehabilitation would be done under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. The UDPCR will be changed by granting a special status to form clusters. They will be free from flood threats, said Shinde.

The PMC survey underway

Following the announcement by the Chief Minister, the PMC has started the survey at Ekta Nagari. The number of societies and flats within the blue floodline will be determined.

Prashant Waghmare, City Engineer, PMC, said, “The survey to determine the constructions within the blue floodline has begun. The work will be completed within the next 8-10 days.”