Pune flash flood aftermath: Tangewala victims not pleased with district’s Rs15,000 payout

The district administration started issuing cheques of Rs 15,000 per family on Thursday, to victims of the flash floods that gripped the city on September 25

The district administration started issuing cheques of Rs 15,000 per family on Thursday, to victims of the flash floods that gripped the city on September 25.

Residents of Tangewala Colony are still cleaning their houses and belongings even though it has been a week since the flash flood incident. (Rahul Raut/HT PHOTO)

However, residents are not happy with this and have demanded permanent houses from the state government.

“District administration officials have distributed cheques as compensation, but it is nothing compared to the fact that my entire house has been destroyed,” said Pradeep Shinde, resident of Tangewala colony, Sahakarnagar.

“Political leaders and government officials have visited our homes, clicked pictures in front of the media and then disappeared. Not one of them has helped us in terms of food, shelter or finance. Every time we approach political party leaders for help, they say they are unable to do anything as the model code of conduct before assembly elections is in force,” added Shinde.

“We are still cleaning our houses even though it has been a week since the incident. Electric appliances have been damaged; there is no electricity or water supply. Walls of some houses have collapsed. How do government officials expect us to set up from scratch with just Rs 15,000? If they really want to do something, they should give us permanent houses, “said Mohini Jadhav, another resident.

“In order to help us, the government should give us permanent houses under slum rehabilitation authority (SRA) schemes or any other government scheme. Help came from all directions during the Sangli and Kolhapur floods, however, we are not getting the same as the model code of conduct is in place,” said Chandan Bhondekar, resident, Tangewala colony.

Naval Kishore Ram, Pune district collector said, “We are trying our best to provide all possible help to the flood affected victims and will continue to do so. If anyone has issues or demands related to the same, they are free to contact us.”