Pune: Survey Uncovers 21 Natural Drains Blocked by Encroachments in Pimpri Chinchwad

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 21st August 2024: A recent survey conducted by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has revealed that 21 natural drains and streams in Pimpri Chinchwad are obstructed by illegal encroachments. Following heavy rains, many roads and low-lying areas in the city have experienced flooding, prompting PCMC to decide to remove the encroachments from these natural waterways.

Due to recent water accumulation and clogging, the Drainage Department of PCMC initiated a survey of all-natural streams and drains in the city. The survey uncovered that 21 natural streams and drains have been encroached upon, leading to improper drainage and water stagnation.

In addition to encroachments, the rapid urbanization of Pimpri Chinchwad, coupled with population growth and the expansion of concrete structures, has made the city’s drainage system increasingly obsolete. The existing sewage drainage lines are aging and prone to leakage. In both developed and newly developing areas, natural drains have been obstructed by the installation of pipelines, with some areas even seeing construction directly over the drains. This has resulted in frequent blockages, preventing effective drainage during the monsoon season, and causing water to seep into residential areas and accumulate on roads and underpasses.

The city’s growing population and the construction of large buildings have further strained the already overburdened and outdated drainage and stormwater systems, leading to frequent clogs and an inability to manage the substantial increase in wastewater. Along with the encroachments on natural drains, these poorly maintained and aging drainage lines contribute significantly to waterlogging.

In many areas within the PCMC limits, builders have blocked natural drains by covering them with underground pipes of insufficient diameter. During sudden heavy rainfall, these inadequate pipes fail to manage the water flow, causing frequent waterlogging and drainage blockages in low-lying areas. The encroachments have also exacerbated the obstruction of drains, raising concerns about the lack of action against these violations before the monsoon season.

Sanjay Kulkarni, Joint City Engineer of PCMC, stated, “The Drainage Department of PCMC has surveyed the city’s drainage lines, natural drains, and streams. The survey revealed that many natural drains are obstructed by unauthorized constructions and encroachments. Soil, stones, and garbage have been found in the drainage lines, which are damaged and broken, with some blockages remaining unrepaired. Private agencies have also conducted surveys of the drainage lines, stormwater lines, and their chambers. The city’s survey has been completed, and a report has been prepared. We will soon remove encroachments from natural drains and streams and address unauthorized constructions.”