Heavy Rains Force Closure of Schools, Offices, and Tourist Spots in Pune

Reported Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 25th July 2024: Constant rains have been falling across Pune District for the last four days, intensifying since yesterday evening. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the area, Pune District Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase has announced several precautionary measures. He stated that all schools and colleges in Pune will be closed for the next 48 hours, and offices and industrial establishments are advised to give holidays to employees for safety reasons.

Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase said, “Since yesterday, in the talukas of Maval, Mulshi, Velha, Bhor, and Ambegaon (Ghat Mathas), there has been heavy rain. In some areas, more than 200 mm of rain has fallen. This is unprecedented rainfall. There is rain in the catchment areas as well as in the cities. We started issuing alerts yesterday. Yesterday, water was being released at 9,000 cusecs from Khadakwasla Dam. Now, water is being released at around 50,000 cusecs. Due to the rain and water released from the dam, areas like Ekta Nagar, Bavdhan, and Yerawada are experiencing water stagnation.”

Dr. Diwase continued, “The Mula River Bridge in Balewadi, Holkar Bridge in Sangamwadi, Mundhwa Road Bridge in Hadapsar, and Shanti Nagar Bridge in Yerawada are submerged, and as a result, we have restricted traffic. We have declared holidays for colleges and schools in most parts of the district. We are directing industrial establishments and offices to close down across the entire Pune district to prevent people from getting stuck in the rain for a long time.”

“The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, along with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire brigade teams, are ready for rescue operations. There is no need to panic; we are controlling the flow from upstream. The NDRF, Disaster Management Cells of both PMC and PCMC, and the Police administration are on high alert,” informed Pune District Collector.

Dr. Diwase further said, “Tourist spots like lakes, waterfalls, and others have been closed down for the next 48 hours for safety reasons. I urge all citizens to avoid going to these places. We have closed access to vulnerable bridges that can submerge and landslide-prone areas. Please do not take unnecessary risks, such as driving your vehicle through water.”

In conclusion, Dr. Diwase informed, “Since yesterday, in Tamhini Ghat’s Adharwadi area, one person died due to a landslide, and in Lavasa city’s Dasve village, a landslide has trapped three people, according to initial reports. The NDRF team has reached the site, and rescue operations are ongoing. I urge all citizens not to go out unless necessary. Please take care of the children and avoid going near electric poles and wires. Three people died from electric shock while trying to retrieve their food cart near the riverside. The administration is doing everything necessary to prevent such incidents. Please cooperate by taking care of yourselves.”