The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sanctioned a ₹369 crore flood mitigation and redevelopment project for the flood-prone Ektanagari and Sinhagad Road areas. The plan, approved by the PMC’s estimate committee last week, is expected to be presented to the standing committee soon.
The initiative includes constructing retaining walls, removing debris, and enhancing the water-carrying capacity of the Mutha River stretch near these localities. The project aims to protect residential areas along the riverbanks and improve the riverfront development (RFD) project, which spans a 44 km stretch of the Mula, Mutha, and Mula-Mutha rivers through Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
The PMC is seeking state government funding for the project but has not yet received any. Alternative funding options, such as public-private partnerships, are being considered. The project also faces challenges related to legal restrictions and previous legal actions that may affect its execution.
The flood mitigation plan is a response to the flash floods caused by water discharge from the Khadakwasla dam on July 24 and 25, 2024, which led to significant damage in Ektanagari, Vitthalnagar, and Nimbajnagar along the Mutha River on Sinhagad Road. Many residential colonies and buildings were inundated, disrupting daily life.
Citizens and housing societies from the affected areas have requested the implementation of this river improvement project to prevent future flooding and ensure the safety of their communities
