Politics drowns floods in Pune

Chaos brought on by heavy rains and flooding in Pune gave politicians an opportunity to level allegations against each other on Thursday as various government agencies scrambled to control the situation and state deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar rushed from Mumbai to Pune to order relief measures.

- Rohit Chandavarkar

The opposition targeted the civic administration alleging proper warning was not issued to the citizens living in low lying areas. With just three months to go for state assembly polls the opposition parties want to make the most of this situation.

The opposition termed the effects of rain and flooding a result of mismanagement by the administration and political leadership.

"We have seen this kind of situation earlier too. Why were citizens not given any warning before water got released from the Khadakwasla dam late at night on Wednesday? The civic administration has totally failed in this matter and the government must answer why suddenly so much water was released from the dam" said MP Supriya Sule.

Pune Lok Sabha MP and Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol responded, "There has been unprecedented rainfall in Pune city and the catchment area of dams. Water had to be released from the dams which led to some flooding. We are taking measures to help people who have been affected. The situation is fast getting back in control".