Pune: PMC Cuts Unauthorized Optical Fiber Cables Causing Severe Waterlogging
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After intense rainfall over the weekend, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) took decisive action against unauthorized optical fibre cables obstructing stormwater drains, which led to significant waterlogging across various parts of the city.
Waterlogging and Investigation
Following the heavy downpour, several areas in Pune, including Sinhagad Road, Karve Road, Pune University Road, Vishrantwadi, Dhanori, Kalas, parts of Wadgaonsheri, Pune station, and Bundgarden Road, experienced severe waterlogging. In response to mounting public criticism, PMC officials from the drainage department, along with ward offices, road department, and Pune traffic police, inspected the affected locations.
During their inspection, officials discovered that optical fibre cables laid by various internet service providers were obstructing stormwater drains, particularly on Sinhagad Road. These unauthorized cables, along with other encroachments, blocked the water flow, causing substantial flooding.
Immediate Actions Taken
On Sunday, PMC aggressively cut unauthorized optical fibre cables at several key locations, including PL Deshpande Garden, Patil Hospital, and Bramha Hotel in the Manikbaug area. Superintendent Engineer Dinkar Gojare from the drainage department stated, “We cut down the optical fibre cables laid in the stormwater drains on Sinhagad Road. We have also asked the road department to take action against the contractors and stop them from using stormwater drains,” reported Hindustan Times.
Additionally, the PMC discovered a 25-meter-long optical fiber cable in the low-lying areas of Manikbaug. Another set of optical fiber and MSEDCL electrical cables were seen hanging over the nullahs in the Sinhagad Road area.
Sahebrao Dhandge, Superintendent Engineer of the road department, emphasized, “We have instructed all road department officials to cut optical fibre cables in the stormwater drains and take action if they find any.”
Further Obstructions and Encroachments
Apart from the optical fibre cables, PMC officials found other obstructions contributing to waterlogging. An empty barrel downstream in the Manikbaugh nullah and unauthorized constructions narrowing the nullah’s width were identified. Construction on Gunthewari plots in Dhanori, Ambegaon, Dhankawadi, and Wadgaonsheri also resulted in narrowed nullahs, leading to water accumulation.
Superintendent Engineer Gojare noted, “We can’t clean the nullahs with machinery because there’s no space. In Ujjwal Garden Society in Wadgaonsheri, there was heavy waterlogging because rainwater could not flow into the nullah.”
Infrastructure Issues
Additionally, the PMC discovered that contractors buried stormwater drain chambers during road resurfacing, contributing further to waterlogging. The road department built footpaths and cycle tracks without connecting them to the stormwater drains.
Heavy waterlogging on Ganesh Khind Road due to the Pune Metro Line 3 construction highlighted another issue. Gojare mentioned, “We instructed PMRDA metro officials to use iron stormwater chambers instead of cement ones on Ganeshkhind Road and Baner Road because iron chambers drain water faster. During our visit, Pune Traffic Police also told PMRDA officials to replace the stormwater chambers.”
The PMC’s swift action to cut unauthorized cables and address encroachments highlights the importance of maintaining clear stormwater drains to prevent future waterlogging incidents.
