PMC to install smart poles to monitor flood situations

Amid criticism over poor monsoon preparedness, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to install 500 smart poles - first in 39 flood-prone areas identified by the civic body, and later across the city - to improve response to flooding and strengthen disaster management.

- Siddharth Gadkari

The smart poles will be equipped with CCTV cameras, drone cameras, sirens and digital display screens and will be directly connected to the PMC’s disaster management cell to help monitor and quickly respond to the situation on-the-ground.

Ganesh Sonune, head of the disaster management department, said, “We have identified 39 areas vulnerable to flooding where the smart poles will be installed.

Though the main purpose is to alert during flood situations, these poles will also help in other emergencies such as fire or natural disasters. The installation work will begin in the coming week.”