Mohammadwadi, Undri residents write to CM, demand overhaul of civic infrastructure

Detailed plan submitted in wake of flash floods; residents especially students and senior citizens inconvenienced

Residents of Mohammadwadi, Undri and NIBM have submitted a detailed plan to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) demanding a complete overhaul of civic infrastructure in the area in wake of the flash floods and intense waterlogging which is causing inconvenience to residents and especially school students and senior citizens.

The road leading to Hillgreen School in Undri was washed away after the flash floods on September 25-26. (HT PHOTO)

The detailed plan involves fencing the roadside starting from the canal bridge which connects to Green Hills School till Sanskriti School; the complete concretisation of all the roads from NIBM chowk till Bishop’s Co-Ed School; installation of road medians and close circuit television (CCTV) camera surveillance, including night reflectors.

Daljeet Goraya, a resident of NIBM watch group member, which submitted the plan to the CMO, said, “This is a serious situation and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials have no concern for the lives of schoolchildren, senior citizens and other residents.”

“Besides, a citizens committee of experts must be appointed to investigate the nature of work being done by the PMC. Our lives cannot be held to ransom by the poor civic planning in the area. Our petition has given all the details about various issues and action is awaited,” said Goraya.

Meeta Nair, a resident of Elina Society, said, “ The digging of hills in front of Vibgyor school has completely disturbed the fragile ecology of Mohammadwadi. The canal is overflowing and immense waterlogging is experienced in the area. We do not want people to lose their lives because of non-accountability of PMC.”

Pune Mayor Mukta Tilak said, “PMC has drawn up a plan to erect strong civic infrastructure across the city and work in Mohmmadwadi will be taken up on priority.”

A total of 26 people died in Pune district on September 25-26 that saw very heavy rainfall and caused canals and streams to break bank and overflow, flooding several residential and business areas. Lives of at least three lakh people had been all, but washed away, according to an estimate by the Pune municipal corporation (PMC).

Danger spots

Overflowing canal near Hillgreen High School

Canal fencing in front of Sanskriti School

Road outside Vibgyor School

Hills opposite Dorabjee’s Supermarket

Canal portion near Oyo Hotel

Pothole on the road leading to Bishop’s School near the back gate

NIBM chowk to Bishop’s School road passing from petrol pump and also in front of Sanskriti School