Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a major step in flood mitigation with a Rs 15 billion plan targeting flood-prone areas along Sinhagad Road, including Ektanagari, Vitthalnagar, and Nimbajnagar. The initiative focuses on relocating residents and business owners from designated ‘blue zones’—areas highly vulnerable to flooding—to safer municipal land at Hingne Khurd, outside the floodplain.

The relocation plan involves demolishing approximately 1,383 residential units and 67 commercial establishments in the flood-affected localities. This is being carried out under the Urban Redevelopment Scheme’s cluster development provisions, specifically Section 14.8 of the Urban Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR). PMC has submitted the proposal to the state government, which is under review pending formal approval.

In the interim, PMC has implemented immediate flood risk reduction measures, such as clearing debris and waste from vulnerable areas and installing CCTV cameras to deter illegal dumping. Authorities have warned that those caught disposing of waste unlawfully will face criminal charges.

The success of this extensive flood mitigation project hinges on the state government approving the Rs 15 billion funding required for implementation. Once sanctioned and funds are released, the cluster development scheme will enable relocation and rebuilding efforts, offering a long-term solution to recurrent flooding challenges.

However, compensation for commercial property owners affected by floods has been delayed. Unlike residents, shopkeepers have yet to receive due compensation because current legal frameworks do not clearly address commercial properties within flood zones, causing additional difficulties for businesses.

This project builds on earlier PMC efforts such as debris clearance drives and public awareness campaigns. Yet, with monsoon rains intensifying and urban flooding increasing, a permanent relocation and redevelopment strategy has become essential.