Water-logging,potholes choke city

The seasonal rain-record of the city shows that total rainfall was 839.6 mm for 2007,677.4 mm for 2008 and 710.5 mm for 2009. And while the city should have been ready to face these numbers by now,the roads and drainage systems have already succumbed at 692.1 mm — this year’s rainfall till date.

“We recorded 93.2 mm rainfall over the past three days. On June 15,the city recorded maximum rainfall of the season (99.4 mm) and we were working closely with the civic authorities. But the collaborated effort between IMD and PMC can be increased,” said Medha Khole,director,IMD.

Of Rs 3027.39 crore for financial year 2009-10,the PMC has allotted Rs 677.05 crore for transport which is about 25 per cent of the total amount and Rs 506.67 crore,18 per cent,for sewage – both of which combined cover building and maintenance of roads and drainage systems. “Road engineering is the most neglected aspect in our town planning initiatives. Increased manpower and proper channelisation of funds are two important aspects that need to be taken into consideration while planning development,” said Kishori Gadre,director,Janwani,an NGO working for urban development.

“Drainage work worth Rs 400 crore is on under JNNURM. We are working on creating strong storm lines and the city should be free of water logging problem,” said Aba Bagul,Congress leader.