‘Nothing done so far, people left to suffer’: CM Shinde faces anger of frustrated citizens in flood-hit areas

CM Eknath Shinde assured citizens of a permanent fix to flood

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde with minister Tanaji Sawant visited the flood affected areas in Ektanagari in Sinhagad road. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)

Facing the wrath of flood affected people in the city, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state government will give special status to those houses that have been affected by floods as well as push to redevelop houses that frequently face flooding during the monsoons as a permanent solution to the issue.

“The houses and buildings that frequently face flood problems in the city during monsoons will be given a special status for rehabilitation. There are many buildings, so redevelopment will be planned in such a manner that citizens will not have to face the flood situation again,” Shinde said after hearing grievances of citizens living in flood affected areas.

The Chief Minister visited Sangvi and Sinhagad road areas to interact with people affected by the floods. He later stood up on a vehicle at a junction in Ekta Colony at Sinhagad Road to address the public.

He said citizens who bought flats in buildings that fall in flood prone areas were suffering for no mistake of theirs. “The construction had taken place in a flood prone area when it was not part of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). A detailed project report will be prepared to redevelop all buildings in the cluster, but it will be done in phases,” Shinde said.

He said the citizens were facing the problem for decades, he said the immediate measure was to construct a retaining wall. He said the wall was a demand from citizens and that children personally had requested him to take it up. He said it will be taken up soon once legal, hurdles were overcome.

Shinde also discussed reasons for the floods at the affected sites, but this irked citizens, who had gathered there in large numbers, and demanded he should listen to them and not officers.

“We have witnessed these flood situations for over a decade every monsoon. The ministers come and go but nothing has been done so far. The citizens are left to suffer,” said Surendra Miskar of Radhakrishna Residency in Ektanagari.

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The women insisted on an interaction with the Chief Minister and shared their grievances with the hope of a permanent solution. “I am your brother who has come to resolve your issues. I will do everything that is possible for a permanent solution,” Shinde said.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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