Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, who also serves as Pune's District Guardian Minister, on Monday, 7 July 2025, directed the district administration to mobilise full-scale relief and rescue operations following severe flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall across Pune district. The directive came after Pawar chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to assess ground conditions, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a high alert for the region.

Key Directives Issued

Pawar issued a series of operational orders aimed at protecting lives and restoring normalcy. She mandated that the district disaster control room remain functional 24x7, with situation reports updated every hour. The district administration has been instructed to submit a consolidated situational report to the state government every two hours.

She stressed that relief material, food, clean drinking water, and healthcare must reach flood-affected citizens without delay. Villages that lose road connectivity due to inundation must have restoration work undertaken on a 'war footing', she said. Citizens residing in high-risk zones are to be evacuated immediately to designated safer shelters.

Coordination and Security Measures

Pawar directed seamless coordination among the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police, Fire Department, and Revenue Department for swift rescue operations. Tight police deployment has been ordered near closed roads, bridges, and mountain passes (ghats) to prevent civilians from entering hazardous zones.

'No government officer or employee is permitted to leave their headquarters. All disaster response cells must remain on high alert,' Pawar stated during the meeting.

Dam Discharges and Traffic Disruptions

Rising water levels in dams due to continuous rainfall have necessitated large-scale water discharges, leading to the suspension of traffic on several river bridges across the district. Timely alerts regarding floods, landslides, and dam water releases are being broadcast through SMS, social media, Gram Panchayats, and local administrative bodies.

Pawar strongly urged citizens to stay away from riverbeds and avoid venturing near water bodies. The police department has also been directed to take proactive steps to prevent severe traffic congestion around IT parks and industrial clusters in the district.

Special Attention for Wari Pilgrims

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the need for special care for Warkari pilgrims participating in the annual Wari pilgrimage, particularly elderly women and children. Adequate arrangements for their safety and welfare have been specifically flagged to the administration.

Administration's Message to Citizens

Pawar also instructed authorities to actively counter misinformation, ensuring only verified, official information is disseminated to the public. Financial compensation and relief are to be disbursed to families of the deceased, injured, and affected as per government norms. The District Collector has been personally tasked with closely monitoring vulnerable areas, with a stern warning that no laxity or delay will be tolerated.

'The administration is working in close coordination. I urge all citizens to adhere to official guidelines and ignore any floating rumours. Let us stand united in this hour of crisis and overcome this natural calamity together,' Pawar said. With the IMD high alert still in force, all departments have been placed on maximum readiness as the monsoon intensifies across Pune.