Pune Flood Alert After Heavy Rains

Authorities in Pune have issued a citywide flood alert following three consecutive days of intense rainfall that have brought the city's rivers and reservoirs close to danger levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded over 180 mm of rain in 48 hours, the highest for the city in a decade during the monsoon onset. The Mula Mutha River has swelled dangerously, prompting the release of water from the Khadakwasla and Panshet dams. Low lying areas including Kothrud, Sinhagad Road, and parts of Yerwada and Hadapsar have reported waterlogging and road cave ins. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, boats, and emergency vehicles for rescue operations. Over 2,000 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters as a precaution. Schools have been ordered shut and advisories have been issued asking citizens to stay indoors and avoid travel near riverbanks. Drainage infrastructure has come under scrutiny, with blocked stormwater drains and poor planning blamed for the rapid urban flooding. The situation is being monitored via drones and real time flood sensors installed across vulnerable zones. While the rain is expected to subside, residual runoff from the catchment areas could continue to pose risk. Environmentalists are urging long term planning, including riverfront desilting and sustainable urban development, to prevent recurring flood threats. The incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of Indian cities to extreme weather triggered by climate change.