Pimpri-Chinchwad Floods Trigger Massive Evacuations as Water Levels Surge

Heavy rains and rising water levels from dam discharges have caused severe flooding in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra, prompting authorities to evacuate over 1,100 residents to safety and set up relief centres across the city.

According to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), a total of 1,127 people have been relocated from flood-prone areas to municipal schools and community halls equipped with essential supplies such as food, water, electricity, and medical aid. The evacuations were conducted mainly in the city's divisions 'A', 'B', and 'D'. For instance, 75 residents from Bhatnagar in Pimpri were moved to selected schools and halls, while the largest group of 628 residents from 'B' division areas like Labour Camp, Kivale, and Kalewadi were shifted to MHADA housing units and schools. Additionally, 32 citizens from Panchsheel Nagar, Pimple Nilakh were also relocated to safe shelters.

PCMC Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized the readiness and coordination of multiple civic departments including health, fire, engineering, water supply, environment, and police to manage the emergency. He urged citizens to stay alert and contact the municipal control room for any emergencies. Singh and other officials conducted inspections on the ground, particularly in vulnerable zones such as Bhatnagar and Sangvi.

The flooding was exacerbated by controlled releases from nearby dams — notably the Pavana dam — that raised water levels in adjacent rivers such as Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani. Dam discharges reached up to 50,000 cusecs, reminiscent of the 2005 flood scenario in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for Pune district, forecasting strong winds and intense showers, further worsening flood conditions.

Despite efforts to encourage relocation to safer zones, some residents chose to remain in their homes even as flood waters encroached. Both PCMC and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) teams remain on high alert, with control rooms manned around the clock and emergency teams deployed to support the ongoing relief operation. Traffic management and continuous monitoring of riverside areas have been prioritized to ensure public safety.