Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations have warned residents in low-lying regions of flooding due to the continuous outflow of water from nearly all the dams in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar, the Pune Guardian Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, instructed the district administration to get ready for battle in order to prevent any harm or inconvenience to the populace.
It has been raining heavily to intensely since Friday evening in Pune and the adjacent areas, notably in the ghat regions. A red signal has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the ghat areas of the districts of Satara and Pune. There is an orange alert in effect for Pune city and the district plains. For a full day, the IMD has forecasted nonstop rain in and around the city.
Rainfall in Lonavala has totalled 212 mm in the past 24 hours.
The irrigation agency has to discharge water from the district’s dams since they are all at or very close to capacity due to the ongoing rains. Dams including Khadakwasla, Temghar, Varasgoan, Panshet, Pavana, Mulshi and Bhatghar are constantly releasing water as a result of the catchment areas’ intense rains.
River water levels are rising as a result, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. It has been recommended that residents of Baner, Sinhagad Road, Warje, Dandekarpul, Patil Estate Slums, and other nearby localities take the appropriate safety measures as there is a possibility of water seeping into their homes.
Similarly, homeowners in Pimpri-Chinchwad who live in Pimple Gurav, Sanghvi, Dapodi, Harris Bridge and other neighbourhoods run the risk of having their homes inundated by floodwaters. Other than the low-lying areas, waterlogging may occur in many other parts of the city, particularly in locations where natural streams have been encroached upon.
Due to reduced visibility and the significant risk of landslides and rocks falling onto the road, the IMD has issued a warning to vehicles on the ghat stretch. People are encouraged to use caution when they walk outside as the district authorities are on high alert.
In response to continuous heavy rainfall and the release of excess water from the Khadakwasla Dam, an Army column has been deployed in the Ekta Nagar area at the request of the District Magistrate. On August 4, 2024, a column led by a unit of Maratha Light Infantry, was mobilised at about 10 AM to provide flood relief in Ekta Nagar.
The column consists of about 100 personnel, including engineers and medical staff, equipped with necessary vehicles and supplies. The column is expected to reach Ekta Nagar by 12:15 PM.