The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has successfully completed pre-monsoon work on a critical arterial road in Phase 2 of the Hinjewadi IT Park. This road was severely affected by waterlogging during the previous monsoon season, causing significant disruption to commuters.
Key Measures Implemented
As part of the mitigation strategy, MIDC has constructed four nullahs across the main road in Phase 2. These nullahs are designed to facilitate the runoff of rainwater from the elevated areas that run parallel to the road. Rajendra Totla, Executive Engineer of MIDC, explained that the nullahs have been built between Wipro Circle and Quadron Circle to prevent water accumulation on the road surface.
Commuters' Relief
Piyush Sharma, a software professional working for a multinational corporation in the IT park, expressed relief at the measures. He recalled the harrowing experiences of last June when roads were submerged, forcing many to abandon their vehicles and seek shelter in office buildings. He expressed hope that the new infrastructure would prevent a repeat of such disruptions.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the improvements, Totla noted that some residential complexes and companies in Phase 2 are discharging untreated sewage into cross-drain pipes. This practice leads to blockages that could undermine the benefits of the completed work. Officials from MIDC and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are planning a joint inspection to identify entities that are not operating their sewage treatment plants (STPs) properly.
Additional Preparations
Separately, MIDC has cleaned gutters, drains beneath footpaths, and cable ducts across all three phases of the IT park. Approximately 25 kilometers of drains have been cleared of large quantities of accumulated garbage. The agency has also installed cross-ducts beneath roads at various locations to improve drainage and reduce the risk of waterlogging.
Totla confirmed that most pre-monsoon work is complete, and heavy-duty earth-moving equipment has been kept ready to address any unforeseen situations during the monsoon. Additionally, road asphalting and leveling work beneath the Metro line is nearing completion to ensure it does not pose a traffic hazard for commuters.
