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Vidarbha Municipal Corporations Face Monsoon Preparedness Challenges in 2025

Vidarbha Municipal Corporations Face Monsoon Preparedness Challenges in 2025

The monsoon season is approaching Vidarbha, and concerns are mounting over the readiness of municipal corporations to handle potential flooding. Reports indicate varying levels of preparation across cities like Nagpur, Akola, Chandrapur, and Amravati, with some showing significant delays and others taking proactive steps.


This article examines the current state of monsoon preparedness in these key urban centres, detailing the challenges and efforts based on recent data.



Nagpur’s Delayed Response to Flood Risks


Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has faced sharp criticism for its lack of preparedness as the 2025 monsoon nears.


By May 19, 2025, the deadline, none of the 10 zonal offices submitted lists of flood-prone areas from the previous year, despite instructions to do so.

In 2023, at least 76 areas in Nagpur experienced waterlogging, and 57 buildings reported basement flooding, yet this critical data remains unupdated.


Known flood-prone spots, such as Narendra Nagar underbridge and Shatabdi Square, have not been addressed, raising concerns about the city’s vulnerability.


Further compounding the issue, only four of the 10 zones responded to a survey identifying dangerous structures, leaving many at risk.



Instructions to equip disaster response teams and notify owners of vulnerable buildings were largely ignored, according to reports.


An RTI reply revealed that NMC spent only 19% (Rs 1.33 crore) of the Rs 7 crore allocated for cleaning the Nag, Pili, and Pora rivers in 2024-25.

These rivers have historically contributed to severe urban flooding in Vidarbha, and the underutilisation of funds highlights significant gaps in infrastructure maintenance. The lack of progress in these areas leaves Nagpur, a major hub in Vidarbha, exposed to potential monsoon-related disruptions.


Akola’s Struggles with Recent Rainfall


Akola has already faced significant challenges in 2025, with heavy rainfall exposing potential weaknesses in the municipal corporation’s preparedness.


On May 28, 2025, the city recorded 140.7 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, marking the highest May rainfall in 132 years.

This event resulted in two deaths and crop damage across 3,000 hectares. Social media reports detailed widespread waterlogging, with water entering shops and even the district hospital, causing considerable damage. Power supply disruptions lasted over 15 hours in several areas, further complicating the situation.



A local official, Anup S. Dhotre, publicly urged the Akola Municipal Corporation to take immediate action to address waterlogging and fallen trees. His call for long-term preventive measures suggests that the city’s pre-monsoon preparations, such as drainage maintenance, may have been inadequate.


Historical data from 2019 indicates that Akola is among Vidarbha’s flood-prone districts, with significant impacts on agricultural and residential areas. The recent rainfall and its consequences underscore the need for robust planning to mitigate future monsoon risks in the city.


Chandrapur’s Proactive Approach


In contrast to Nagpur and Akola, Chandrapur Municipal Corporation has taken several steps to prepare for the 2025 monsoon.


The district administration has activated a comprehensive plan to address potential flooding, focusing on infrastructure maintenance and public safety.


A major drainage cleanup drive has been launched to prevent waterlogging, alongside an anti-encroachment campaign targeting obstructions like covered drains and permanent structures that impede water flow.

A survey identified these encroachments, and a special operation is planned to clear them before the monsoon intensifies.



On May 27, 2025, the corporation issued safety notices to 54 unsafe structures, directing residents to either relocate or repair them to avoid monsoon-related incidents. These measures reflect a proactive stance, addressing key risk factors such as blocked drainage systems and vulnerable buildings.


Chandrapur’s efforts stand out as a model for other municipal corporations in Vidarbha, though the success of these initiatives will depend on their effective implementation as the rainy season progresses.


Amravati’s Uncertain Preparedness


Information on Amravati Municipal Corporation’s monsoon preparedness for 2025 remains limited. The corporation’s official website mentions a disaster management cell with a toll-free number (101) and a contact number (0721-2576426), indicating some level of emergency planning.


However, no specific details have emerged regarding surveys of flood-prone areas, drainage maintenance, or structural safety audits.


The absence of reported issues may suggest that Amravati has not faced significant monsoon-related challenges recently, but it could also indicate a lack of transparency in communicating preparedness efforts.



Historical data from 2019 shows that Amravati, like Akola, is among Vidarbha’s flood-prone districts, with past flooding affecting both agricultural and residential areas.

The lack of recent, publicly available information on the municipal corporation’s actions makes it difficult to assess its readiness for the 2025 monsoon. This gap in data leaves residents and observers uncertain about the city’s ability to handle potential flooding.


As the monsoon clouds gather over Vidarbha, the region’s municipal corporations face a critical test. The efforts and oversights detailed here reflect the complex task of managing urban flood risks in a region with a history of heavy rainfall.


The coming weeks will reveal how these cities navigate the challenges of the rainy season, with residents hoping for effective action to ensure their safety and security.



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