Heavy Rain Brings Relief, Waterlogging Hits Pune

After weeks of humid weather and delayed monsoon conditions, Pune finally witnessed widespread rainfall on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief to residents struggling with rising temperatures. However, the first spell of heavy rain also exposed glaring shortcomings in the city’s pre-monsoon preparedness, with waterlogging, traffic congestion and disrupted movement reported from several areas.

Katraj was among the worst-hit localities, where a strong downpour lasting nearly 30 minutes left roads submerged and slowed traffic movement. Residents welcomed the drop in temperature and the sudden cool breeze after days of oppressive heat.

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Heavy rainfall was also reported from Warje, Karvenagar, Shivane, Uttamnagar and Kondhwe Dhawade. Roads in several pockets were inundated, forcing commuters to navigate through knee-deep water. In Uttamnagar, water accumulated inside a school premises and on major roads, causing significant inconvenience to citizens.

The situation once again raised questions over the administration’s claims of spending lakhs of rupees on pre-monsoon drain cleaning and stormwater management. Residents alleged that blocked drains and incomplete cleaning work resulted in severe waterlogging on service roads and internal streets.

Similar scenes unfolded in Dhayari, Khadakwasla and Kirkatwadi, where even a few hours of rainfall exposed weaknesses in civic planning. Water accumulated on several arterial and internal roads, slowing traffic and creating bottlenecks across the region.

In Kothrud, dark clouds gathered during the afternoon before a spell of heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning swept through the area. Karve Road, Paud Road, Mayur Colony, Ideal Colony, Bhusari Colony and nearby localities received substantial rainfall. Traffic movement slowed considerably as roads became slippery and waterlogged.

Meanwhile, eastern Pune localities including Yerawada, Kharadi and Chandannagar received only light showers despite cloudy conditions and thunder activity. Residents in these areas continue to wait for sustained monsoon rainfall.

Moderate rain was also recorded in Koregaon Park, Tadiwala Road and Camp areas. Water accumulation was reported at several locations, while traffic near Pune Railway Station moved at a slower pace due to wet road conditions.

Light showers in Wadgaon Sheri, Fursungi, Hadapsar and Manjari brought temporary relief from the heat. However, citizens and farmers alike are still hoping for stronger and more consistent rainfall in the coming days.

The Sinhagad Road belt witnessed one of the strongest spells of rain on Sunday evening. Waterlogging was reported at multiple locations, including Lagadmala, where roads resembled a pond. Several two-wheelers reportedly stalled after getting trapped in accumulated rainwater, causing traffic disruptions across the area.

According to official rainfall data, the Khadakwasla dam catchment recorded 30 mm of rainfall. Despite the showers, water storage across the dam chain remains low at 3.90 TMC, or 13.39 percent of total capacity. Authorities and residents are now looking towards a more active monsoon phase to improve reservoir levels and ease concerns over future water supply.

Farmers in the Sinhagad and surrounding rural regions welcomed the rainfall, saying the moisture will help accelerate land preparation and sowing activities for the upcoming Kharif season. However, they stressed that sustained rainfall is still required for a successful agricultural season.

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