The Times of India  06.10.2010

PUNE: Unchecked construction and encroachments on nullahs and along the riverbeds have caused flooding in several areas of the city after heavy rain, groundwater and town planning experts have said.

The worst-affected areas include Baner, Bavdhan and Pashan.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) should put in place a mechanism to keep a constant check on any encroachments. In addition, a stormwater drainage system to allow evacuation of rain water is necessary, they added.

Groundwater expert and honorary member of Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra (AFARM), Mukund Ghare said there was heavy encroachment not just in the nullahs, but also in the rivers which obstructed free flow of water.

"The Ramnadi is virtually non-existent. We have built roads, and created parking areas and allowed more constructions and encroachments on rivers. The hilltops have been encroached upon and the slopes have been occupied. What can we expect if we continue to obstruct the natural surroundings in such a manner. These are the consequences and we have to face it," Ghare said.

He suggested a check on human interference and building a strong public opinion against any encroachments or unauthorised constructions which affect the natural flow of water. "If you occupy the river, the river will occupy you, " he said.

Former state director of town planning Vidyadhar Deshpande said encroachments had blocked the width of the rivers and the nullahs had been reduced.

"We get into fire-fighting mode only after a serious problem affects us. Ward officers and the other designated persons must keep a check on unauthorised constructions which have not come up in a day," he said.

Deshpande added that the land records department and the civic body should ensure that buildings are constructed only with valid permissions.There should be periodic checks and that the city should have a proper stormwater drainage map. It is the responsibility of everyone to keep the rivers and nullahs free from encroachments, he said.

Former executive engineer of the irrigation department in Pune, Arjun Mastood said that obstructing or encroaching upon any natural flow of water such as rivers or nullahs is an offence.

"For all building permissions along riverbeds, or along any water bodies, it is necessary that the builder or the owner obtains a no-objection certificate from the irrigation department. It is the prime duty of the civic body giving permissions for constructions to ensure that the NOC is in place," he said.

The floodlines of the nullahs or the rivers have been finalised by the irrigation department. "When any dumping of construction debris or any other material occurs, it results in flooding. Before the monsoon sets in, rivers or nullahs must be desilted to prevent flooding," Mastood said.

As for the constructions that already exist, a proper survey was necessary so that remedial measures can be framed and implemented. The survey can happen if the government provides the staff and nominates an officer. "It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the natural water flows is not obstructed," he said.

Vijay Paranjpye, trustee and chairperson of Gomukh environmental trust for sustainable development, said the municipal corporation, should implement the stormwater drain plan immediately.

"Stormwater drainage is necessary. There is no alternative. The civic body has to act immediately so that there are no such problems in future," he said, adding that since the plans were not acted upon on priority it had led to flooding.

At places where there are unauthorised constructions or encroachments, it is necessary that water evacuation measures be created besides removing the encroachments.

"Sewage lines and stormwater drains should not be connected. At many places, the sewage lines have got clogged and the storm water is mixing with it resulting in a foul smell," he said.

When roads are flooded, civic personnel and the traffic police should put up barricades to prevent people from venturing into the water. Stranded vehicles often led to traffic jams, he added.