Waterlogging, traffic congestion reported amid incessant rainfall

15,092 cusecs water discharged from Khadakwasla dam

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

PUNE: Continuous rainfall since the early hours of Thursday brought the city to a standstill with severe waterlogging, traffic congestion, and incidents of treefall reported from various parts of the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune recorded 54.2 mm of rainfall between 12 am and 5.30 pm on June 19.

Areas such as Hinjewadi, Mundhwa, and parts of Kothrud and Hingne experienced flooding with some residential localities reporting water entering homes. Roads in these areas turned into streams, severely impacting vehicular movement.

The stretch between Dhayari and Sinhagad Road witnessed major waterlogging even as traffic snarls were reported from Sai Nagar in Hingne, (near) Badhai Sweets in Kothrud, Parvati and Swargate bus stop, disrupting the commute during peak hours.

Water entered homes in Sai Nagar as well, with residents attributing the flooding to the collapse of a forest department wall that has evaded repairs for more than a year.

Govind Gore, a resident of Sai Nagar, said, "The wall behind our house collapsed last year and despite several complaints, no action was taken. The heavy rainfall from last night intensified at around 8 am, leading to water entering our homes. If the rain continues at night, it will be extremely unsafe to stay here."