Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
PUNE: Recent flooding along the banks of the Mula and Mutha rivers, particularly in areas like Ekta Nagari and the Rajput slums in Bopodi, has once again underscored the urgent need to clearly define the flood zones.
Homeowners who invested in properties decades ago are now anxious about their investments, seeking accountability for permits issued for construction in flood-prone areas.
Local inhabitants expressed frustration over conflicting views between local authorities, the irrigation department, and district administration regarding the proper delineation of flood risk areas.
Residents argue, “If the flood zones had been accurately marked years ago, developers would not have been able to sell these properties. The civic officials and others responsible for this administrative chaos must face consequences.” Activists claim that mismanagement in planning has facilitated construction in hazardous locations where non-development zones have been converted into residential areas, resulting in uncoordinated growth along riverbanks.
The blue and red lines are conceptual markers delineating flood threat zones near rivers, with the blue line indicating a flood risk once every 25 years and the red line signifying a risk once every 100 years. These lines are included in the development plans to prevent constructions in high-risk areas.
Residents noted that the Ekta Nagari area was part of Vadgaon grampanchayat nearly 28 years ago. Back then, as Vadgaon was a small village, issues concerning flood lines were often overlooked, leading to numerous constructions. The area was incorporated into Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits in 1997.
“Innocent citizens are suffering through no fault of their own. Many have purchased these properties after receiving official permissions. Now, those same authorities are shifting the blame,” expressed Mayur Ingawale, a local resident.
“We demand solutions to the recurrent flooding. A thorough survey of the riverbed should be conducted. It is crucial for the administration to provide actionable solutions rather than mere promises,” stated Pranita Takale, another resident.
“A comprehensive strategy is essential for river management. If one resource, like the river, is overseen by several authorities without collaboration, complications will arise. This is exactly what we’re witnessing with the administration of the Mula and Mutha rivers,” commented Shailaja Deshpande from Jeevitnadi, an organization focused on river restoration.
According to PMC officials, a four-member committee was formed to investigate the flooding causes in 2024. Their report addressed the influx of water into affected areas and proposed several solutions, including the clear display of blue and red flood lines in the city’s development plan, identification and removal of structures within these lines, debris removal, river restoration, and a ban on construction within the flood risk zones.
“We have submitted our recommendations. All relevant departments are taking steps to implement our suggestions,” stated Bipin Shinde, a senior PMC official and committee member.
