CM Shinde inspects flood relief operations in Pune, announces new policy to permanently eliminate threat of floods

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inspected flood affected areas of Pune on August 05 and interacted with local residents and understood their problems. He directed various agencies for relief measures.

He said a new policy will soon be introduced to permanently eliminate the threat of floods in Pune.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited Shivajinagar, Wakdewadi, Old Sangvi, Sinhagad Road, Khadakwasla and interacted with the residents as well those who were displaced due to floods. He oversaw the distribution of essential commodities to flood affected citizens. The CM instructed officials to keep health teams and nearby hospitals ready. He assured all necessary assistance to the victims of recent flooding in Pune.

The Chief Minister announced that a new policy will be introduced to permanently eliminate the threat of floods in Pune. The new policy will address the following points:

• The blue flood line will be re-surveyed in view of the recent flooding in Pune.
• A new Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DCR) will be framed to address the problem of flood affected houses.
• Laws and regulations will be amended as required for housing redevelopment.
• Infrastructural facilities such as repair of sewer lines, laying of new water lines in flood affected areas will be provided to the citizens.
• Desilting will be done to deepen and widen rivers in Pune to avoid flooding by increasing their water carrying capacity.
• The pre-monsoon warning system will be implemented immediately in every area. The CM directed PMC, PCMC, Water Resources Department, PMRDA, District Administration to do the needful.

Riverfront Development Project

He also announced that care will be taken to ensure that the flow of water in the river will not be obstructed while working on the river improvement project. The CM announced that special assistance would be given to the flood-affected citizens through District Planning Fund, Social Responsibility Fund etc.

A review meeting was held yesterday at the Pune Government Rest House to review the flood situation caused due to heavy rain in the city and the measures to be taken to prevent it from reoccurring. Speaking during the meeting, the CM said, every life is important to us and it is our duty to save it. Deepening and widening of the river should be done to avoid human loss and financial loss in flood situation. Action should be taken to remove debris and prevent future debris dumping in the rivers. Many elected representatives and administration officials were present at the meeting.