Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has begun issuing notices to several industrial establishments in Bhosari MIDC area, who have allegedly encroached on natural nullahs and thus obstructed the flow of stormwater.

Earlier this month, industrialists from T Block area complained of waterlogging during heavy rain. They claimed they suffered significant financial losses, as rainwater entered their factory premises and damaged their machinery and raw materials. A subsequent inspection blamed the choked stormwater lines.Civic officials on Wednesday met the affected owners and visited the flooded areas.

"We have identified at least three locations where the nullahs were encroached upon, obstructing the water flow.

We have begun a survey of the area, and notices will be sent to violators," a senior PCMC official said, adding that the errant unit owners would be given two weeks to remove the unauthorised structures, failing which the civic body would demolish them.Bhosari MIDC spans across four PCMC wards, with most of the affected zones falling under ‘C' and ‘H' wards. A civic official from ‘C' ward said that they had already found a similar problem in J and S Blocks, and over 25 units had been served notices.

Sandeep Belsare, president of Pimpri Chinchwad Small Scale Industries Association, said they have repeatedly urged the members to clear encroachments on drains. "The corporation should now act against those who are causing problems to others."Belsare's fabrication unit was also among the establishments that were flooded. "There was almost two feet deep water, and I suffered financial losses due to it." Another industrialist said it took a couple of days for his factory workers to pump the water out.

"We had to keep the machines shut during this period. This not only resulted in losses, but our production and supply schedule also took a hit."Municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh told TOI that the issue has already been brought to his notice, and the civic body will soon pull the illegal structures down. "Most of these structures are industrial units; hence, we will not have to wait for the monsoon-end. We can take action immediately after all those encroachments have been identified." It may be noted that MIDC is the planning authority of Bhosari MIDC, but since PCMC collects property tax from industrialists, it manages the services except for water supply.