Kalamboli avoids major flooding despite 1000 mm rainfall after PMC drainage upgrades
The historically flood-prone Kalamboli area in Navi Mumbai, including Sector 1, Panchvati Society, Karavali Chowk, and areas near KLE College, successfully avoided major waterlogging and flooding during the first week of July despite receiving over 1,000 mm of rainfall. According to the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC), the outcome was the result of extensive pre-monsoon planning and drainage upgrades initiated in May.
Historically, Kalamboli has faced severe flooding during heavy rains. However, during the recent heavy spell from July 1 to July 8, the region remained largely unaffected. The PMC attributed this success to preparations carried out under the guidance of Mayor Nitin Patil and Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale.
The civic body began reviewing its monsoon preparedness in May through a series of disaster management meetings. Based on lessons from the previous year's flooding, the corporation prioritized strengthening the stormwater drainage network before the onset of the rains.
Key infrastructure upgrades included installing new flood-control gates at holding points near the creek, extensive desilting of major drains and gutters, and repairing the stormwater drainage system.
New drainage lines were laid across several vulnerable spots to improve rainwater discharge. These included lines at Panchvati Society in Sector 1 near Pallavi Avida, from the fire station to Karavali Chowk, and from KLE College to the immersion pond in Sector 12. Additional lines were constructed near Vijay Milan Society in Sector 10 and near the Gurudwara in Sector 11.
On July 4, Kalamboli recorded its highest single-day rainfall of the spell with 217.5 mm of rain. Despite the heavy downpour, no major flooding or prolonged waterlogging was reported in the area.
During the heavy rains, special health department teams were stationed in Kalamboli, and the disaster management department monitored the situation round-the-clock under Disaster Management Chief Kailas Gavde. PMC officials, including Additional Commissioners Ganesh Shete and Maheshkumar Meghmale, were credited with ensuring the timely implementation of these flood-control measures.
