Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s highly anticipated visit to Pune was cancelled on short notice as heavy rains lashed the region, raising safety concerns for the public and dignitaries involved. The PM was scheduled to inaugurate several key infrastructure projects and address a large public gathering, but the extreme weather made it impossible for the visit to go ahead.
Pune and its surrounding regions have been grappling with unusually heavy rainfall over the past few days, resulting in waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and a general slowdown of daily activities. Authorities were monitoring the weather closely, but as conditions worsened on the day of the visit, they decided to call off the event to avoid any potential risks. This is not the first time the region has faced such torrential downpours during the monsoon season, but the scale of the disruption this time has been notable.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed the cancellation, stating that the visit would be rescheduled once the weather improves. The infrastructure projects that were to be inaugurated included a new metro line extension, a highway expansion, and a public park. These projects are considered vital to Pune’s growing urban landscape, aimed at easing congestion and improving the quality of life for the city’s residents.
PM Modi expressed his regret over the cancellation in a public message, thanking Pune residents for their understanding and urging them to prioritize safety amid the ongoing heavy rainfall. He also commended local authorities for their efforts in managing the situation.
Meanwhile, the state government has been on high alert, deploying disaster management teams to flood-prone areas. Several low-lying parts of Pune have already reported waterlogging, and there have been warnings of potential flooding if the rain continues unabated. Local residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow official advisories for their safety.
This incident serves as a reminder of the growing impact of unpredictable weather patterns and climate change. Maharashtra, like many other states, has experienced increasingly erratic monsoon seasons in recent years. Experts are calling for better urban planning and infrastructure that can handle such extreme weather events, as well as improved early-warning systems to alert the public about potential hazards.
Though the PM’s visit is temporarily postponed, the projects he was set to inaugurate remain a crucial part of Pune’s urban development. Local officials are working to ensure that the rain does not cause any further delays in their completion.
