Latest news with #VitthalBanote
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
72 landslide-prone villages in Pune on high alert; officials told to draw up evacuation plan
P une: The district administration has placed 72 landslide-prone villages on high alert as the monsoon intensified across the region resulting in heavy rain in the last few days. Officials have been directed to make immediate arrangements for evacuation in case of emergencies. The alert is based on the Geological Survey of India (GSI)'s 2023 report that lists several at-risk areas across 15 talukas, including Maval (15 villages), Velhe (10), Mulshi (8), Khed (6), Junnar and Bhor (5 each). Among high-risk villages are Kalewadi, Ambwane, Ghutke, Nayphad, and Dhanvali — many of which lie close to hill slopes or riverbanks. Collector Jitendra Dudi has instructed taluka-level officers and tehsildars to identify the most vulnerable areas and prepare contingency plans. "Evacuation and relocation protocols must be ready and drills must be carried out to ensure a timely response during heavy rain," said Vitthal Banote, a district disaster management official. Tehsildars have been tasked with auditing structures in high-risk zones and identifying safe locations where residents can be temporarily shifted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sheffield: If You Were Born Between 1945-1974 You Could Be Eligible For This British Seniors Read More Undo A 24-hour monitoring cell will be established in each taluka, and emergency response teams are being equipped and trained. The administration has also instructed that roads prone to flooding be barricaded and appropriate warning signage installed. "Villages close to water bodies need to be warned well in advance, and encroachments in high-risk areas must be cleared. Our focus is on preventing incidents," Banote said. Volunteer groups such as Aapda Mitra, which assist during disasters, are also being provided with essential equipment. Meanwhile, funds for relocating residents in three of the most vulnerable villages — located in Bhor, Khed, and Mulshi talukas — are still awaited from state govt. Officials confirmed that a revised proposal has been sent for approval. Authorities have stressed the need for public awareness drives and rapid deployment of safety measures to avoid a repeat of past tragedies. After the 2014 Malin landslide in Ambegaon taluka, which claimed several lives, the number of identified landslide-prone villages in Pune increased from 23 to 72. Varandha Ghat closed for 3 months As a precautionary measure, the district collectorate has ordered the closure of Varandha Ghat — a vital mountain pass linking Pune to Mahad — to heavy vehicles from June 1 to Sept 30 due to heightened landslide risks. The ghat, which runs through Bhor taluka, sees frequent landslides and slope failures during monsoon. The ongoing road-widening work has added to its vulnerability. Officials emphasised that trucks and buses will not be allowed, and during red or orange weather alerts issued by IMD, even light vehicles will face restrictions. The steep terrain, combined with dense forests, slippery roads, and poor visibility, poses a serious hazard to commuters in the rainy season. Authorities have advised motorists to use alternative routes such as Mangaon-Nizampur-Tamhini-Mulshi-Pirangut during the closure.
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Of 657 Pune residents in Kashmir during the attack, 546 back home safely
All Pune residents who were in Jammu and Kashmir during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and wanted to return, have safely arrived in the city, according to the Disaster Management Cell Friday. As per documents obtained from the Disaster Management Cell, 657 Pune residents were in Kashmir during the time of the attack, out of which 546 wanted to come back. The process began on April 24, when 238 people arrived by flight, and on April 25, 83 returned by flight and 22 by train, bringing their number to 343. On April 26, 438 people came back, of which 44 returned by flight, and 51 travelled by train. On April 27, 40 people returned by road, 11 by flight, and 39 by train, bringing the total to 528. On April 28, one person returned by flight, on April 29, eight returned by flight, and nine others arrived by train, bringing the total to 546. Also Read | They went for vacation, returned in coffins: Full list of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack Vitthal Banote, District Disaster Management Officer, said the department issued a press note with helpline numbers and contact details for residents of Pune who were stranded in Kashmir. 'Through the helpline, we gathered information from residents about their return plans and how we could assist them. While some wanted to extend their stay, most wanted to return. We created a list to differentiate those with pre-arranged returns and those requiring assistance. Those needing special flights were listed separately, and the central government coordinated with them to ensure their safe return,' Banote said. Those who came back praised the government's efforts to bring them back. Chhaya Patil, 55, said, 'The government-sponsored special flight process was easy to understand, and it provided a sense of safety in such a situation. Our return to Pune was extremely safe.' Vishal Vyas, 54, said, 'The government officials were well-coordinated and ensured we understood our options. I felt a wave of relief when we reached the airport, knowing my family and I were heading home safely.' The effective safety measures were also highlighted by Deepali Gaikwad. 'Our safety in Kashmir was maintained by the local authorities, the Army, government officials, etc. Our journey from Kashmir to Jammu and then to Delhi was trouble-free. We faced no issues and returned home safely.'
