Pune Civic Body Deploys CCTV Network Along Riverbeds to Strengthen Flood Monitoring

Pune Municipal Corporation has begun installing CCTV cameras at 168 locations along riverbeds to monitor flood situations in real time and curb illegal activities, aiming to improve disaster response during monsoon.

Pune | April 1, 2026: In a proactive step to enhance flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated the installation of a CCTV surveillance network across riverbeds in the city. The project, inspired by similar measures in Mumbai, aims to enable round-the-clock monitoring of water levels and strengthen early warning systems in flood-prone areas.

The initiative comes in response to recurring flooding incidents along the Mula-Mutha river system and other streams in Pune, which have caused significant damage to residential areas in recent years. Localities along Sinhagad Road and low-lying zones have been particularly vulnerable, especially when water is released from upstream dams such as Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar.

According to civic officials, the surveillance system will allow authorities to track sudden rises in water levels following dam discharges, ensuring timely alerts and evacuation measures if required. The project is being integrated with rain gauges and a centralised disaster control room to create a more responsive and coordinated flood management mechanism.

As part of the , a total of 168 CCTV cameras are being installed across key riverbed locations in the city. Of these, 44 cameras have already been made operational, while installation work at 14 additional sites is currently underway. The remaining locations are expected to be covered in a phased manner before the peak monsoon season.

To ensure uninterrupted functioning, the PMC is adopting a hybrid power model for the cameras. While some units will operate on conventional electricity supply, others will be powered through solar energy, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access riverbank areas.

Apart from flood monitoring, the CCTV network will also serve as a deterrent against illegal activities in riverbeds. Authorities have noted repeated instances of debris dumping and unauthorised construction waste disposal in these areas, which obstruct natural water flow and exacerbate flood risks.

A recent incident near Tilak Bridge, where large quantities of construction debris were dumped into the riverbed, had led to strict action, including a ₹10 lakh penalty and stoppage of construction work. Despite such कार्रवाई, similar violations have continued to surface, prompting the need for continuous surveillance.

Officials believe that real-time monitoring through CCTV cameras will help identify such violations promptly and enable swift enforcement action. The system is expected to significantly improve accountability and reduce environmental damage caused by illegal dumping.

The move also follows last year’s flooding incidents in areas such as Ektanagari, where delayed response and lack of timely information resulted in water entering homes, causing losses to residents. Learning from these घटनाएं, the civic body is now focusing on strengthening its early warning and disaster response framework.

Ganesh Sonune, Disaster Management Officer at PMC, stated that the CCTV system will play a crucial role in tracking water levels and anticipating flood situations after dam releases. He added that the initiative would also help maintain vigilance over unlawful activities within riverbeds.

The project has been welcomed by environmental groups and citizens alike, who have long demanded stricter monitoring of river ecosystems. With the monsoon approaching, the PMC’s initiative is expected to enhance preparedness and minimise potential damage caused by flooding.

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