Review of Monsoon Preparedness on Baner Road; Joint Inspection Conducted by Additional Municipal Commissioner Omprakash Divte

Joint Inspection Initiated by Sunny Nimbhan; PMRDA, Metro, and Municipal Departments Directed to Take Immediate Action

Pune: In view of the upcoming monsoon season, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Special) Omprakash Divte conducted a joint inspection of the stretch from Green Park Hotel to University Chowk on Baner Road to review traffic management, stormwater drainage, and various civic issues arising from the Metro project. During the inspection, officials from the concerned departments were instructed to implement necessary corrective measures on a priority basis.

A detailed review was conducted of the waterlogging issues experienced during last year’s monsoon, particularly at University Chowk and the Hotel Mahabaleshwar area. Officials from Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and the Metro administration were directed to complete the necessary work within four days to ensure smooth and efficient drainage of rainwater along the entire stretch from University Chowk.

During the inspection, it was observed that large quantities of construction debris and rubble lying near the Metro project sites in front of Sindh Society and National Society were causing traffic obstructions. Other issues identified included damaged road dividers, uneven road surfaces, deteriorated footpaths, reduced road width, and a non-functional stormwater drain near the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune campus. Concerned departments were instructed to address these issues immediately and complete the required works at the earliest.
As University Chowk serves as a major traffic hub and is frequently used by VVIPs, the Water Supply Department was directed to complete ongoing excavation work near the junction leading toward Aundh within the next two days and restore the road to its original condition.

Local leader Sunny Nimbhan had consistently followed up on issues related to traffic congestion, monsoon drainage challenges, and civic problems arising from the Metro project in the Baner Road area. Acting on complaints received from local residents and following his efforts to bring these concerns to the administration’s attention, the joint inspection was organized through coordination among the concerned departments.

During the visit, Additional Commissioner Divte instructed officials from the Metro Department, Road Department, Water Supply Department, Drainage Department, and the respective ward offices to work in coordination and complete all pending works before the onset of the monsoon. He also directed the immediate cleaning of stormwater drains, chambers, and drainage systems, along with the removal of debris from footpaths to ensure the safe and convenient movement of pedestrians.

Those present during the inspection included Superintending Engineer Abhijit Ambekar, Corporator Sunny Nimbhan, Corporator Bhakti Gaikwad, Corporator Sapna Chhajed, PMRDA Deputy Engineer Gajanan Patil, PITCMRL Deputy Engineer Sumit Yadav, Project Manager Yogesh Mandra, Section In-charge Raj Dhanshetti, as well as officials and engineers from PMRDA, Metro, Water Supply, Drainage, and the concerned regional offices.