Pune Issues Red Alert as Water Levels Surge; 125 Residents Relocated Amidst Dam Water Release

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th August 2024

In response to escalating water levels due to a significant release from Khadakwasla dam, Pune’s district administration has relocated 125 residents from Sinhgad Road and Ekta Nagar. Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase confirmed on Sunday that the increase in water levels, resulting from the discharge of 36,000 cusecs of water from the dam, prompted the evacuation. The situation has also led to the deployment of army personnel to assist with the emergency response.

The water discharge from Khadakwasla dam, along with similar releases from Panshet and Warasgaon dams, has been substantial. Over the past two weeks, the district has experienced heavy to intense rainfall, leading to a significant volume of water being released from these reservoirs. The cumulative discharge of water from these dams has exacerbated the flooding issues in affected areas.

As water levels continue to rise, the Dwarka Society on Sinhgad Road in Ekta Nagar has seen significant water accumulation. This situation has necessitated the involvement of both the army and municipal corporation teams to manage the crisis effectively. Eight boats have been deployed to assist with the evacuation and relief operations, ensuring that residents are moved to safer locations promptly.

In addition to the local response efforts, a red alert has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for the Madhya Maharashtra sub-division, which includes Pune district. This alert, effective for Sunday, underscores the severity of the weather conditions and the potential for further complications. The IMD has also issued red alerts for Nashik, Raigad, Satara, and Palghar, while Thane and Ratnagiri have been placed under an orange alert. An additional orange alert has been forecast for Pune and Satara on Monday, indicating the continuation of heavy rainfall in these regions.

The ongoing heavy rainfall has intensified the situation, particularly in the ghat sections and dam catchment areas. The local authorities, including the fire brigade, are actively working to manage the flooding and ensure the safety of the residents. The collaboration between the army, municipal teams, and emergency services highlights the coordinated effort required to address the challenges posed by the increased water levels.

As the situation evolves, residents are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and adhere to safety instructions issued by the authorities. The combined efforts of the army, municipal teams, and other agencies aim to mitigate the impact of the flooding and ensure a swift response to any emerging issues. The red and orange alerts reflect the ongoing vigilance and preparedness needed to manage the heavy rainfall and its effects on the region.