Pune: PMC mayor Manjusha Nagpure on Tuesday directed the civic administration to immediately convene a high-level meeting of all stakeholders to expedite pre-monsoon works and overhaul the city’s disaster management framework. During a review meeting, the mayor emphasised the need for detailed planning at the ward and regional levels. She instructed that additional manpower be allocated for flood management and that ward-level response teams undergo specialised training by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).She directed Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration to ensure timely completion of the works funded through the National Disaster Management Fund. “With the monsoon only months away and Pune increasingly vulnerable to flooding, the administration must be fully prepared. An urgent joint meeting is required between the PMC, water resources department, Public Works Department (PWD), MahaMetro, MSEDCL, PMRDA, National Highways Authority, and the Cantonment board to ensure seamless coordination,” the mayor said in a statement.She said cleaning of streams and drains, repairing culverts, and completion of works related to retaining walls should be completed in advance. The storm-water drainage plan should be modified as needed, and drain mapping must be completed. Surveys of hazardous old houses and buildings should be conducted and notices issued. Dangerous tree branches should be removed immediately. Addressing the rising frequency of intense rainfall over short periods, the mayor stressed the deployment of quick response teams. “Staffing must be increased where necessary, especially in the city’s newly merged villages. It is crucial that our employees are trained by the NDRF to ensure an effective and rapid response during emergencies,” she added.Instructions issued by the mayor to the administration- Plan disaster management teams at ward and regional office levels- Update the Quick Response Team.- In flood-prone areas, train citizens through the Civil Defence force.- Arrange emergency shelter centres- Install CCTV cameras in flood-prone areas
