Pune Rains: Khadakwasla and Lonavala Dam Discharge Reduced Amid Ongoing Flood Warnings

Pune city and district have been grappling with heavy rainfall for the past two days, leading to widespread flooding. Many areas in Pune city were inundated yesterday, with residential societies submerged and roads transformed into rivers. This severe flooding has been attributed to a sudden discharge from nearby dams. In response, the administration has provided crucial updates regarding the status of three dams in the vicinity of Pune today.

The discharge from Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River has been reduced to 13,981 cusecs as of 7 AM, with potential adjustments if necessary. The Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department in Pune has urged residents to remain cautious. Meanwhile, the discharge from Lonavala Dam into the Indrayani River is being decreased to 120 cusecs. Should rainfall intensify, there could be an increase in discharge. Mulshi Dam in-charge Basavraj Munnoli has also advised the public to take appropriate precautions.

In the meantime, the discharge from Kasarasai Dam into the nullah bed is being reduced to 120 cusecs. The Assistant Engineer-Grade-I of Khadakwasla Canal Subdivision No. 2 in Pune stated that adjustments to the discharge will be made based on rainfall forecasts and dam inflow conditions.

Heavy rains have severely disrupted normal life in Pune city and district, with four people and 15 animals reported dead on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Landslides have struck Tamhini Ghat in Mulshi taluka and Lavasa. In response, two columns from the Army and the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed for rescue operations. District Collector Suhas Diwase announced that the discharge from Khadakwasla Dam is being regulated. According to the Water Resources Department, 2.5 TMC of water accumulated in one day in the catchment area of the four Khadakwasla project dams, while one TMC of water was released from the drain by 5 PM on Thursday, leading to a flood-like situation on Sinhagad Road. Over 4,000 residents have been evacuated from affected societies.