Pune on High Alert: Multiple Areas Flooded, Rescue Operations Ongoing

Pune, 25th July 2024: Severe flooding has affected many parts of Pune today, with water levels reaching two to three feet in areas such as Sinhagad Road. Rescue teams have been dispatched to assist citizens trapped by the rising waters. The situation has led to school holidays being declared across the city due to widespread inundation.

The early morning release of water from the Khadakwasla dam has exacerbated the flooding, with water entering numerous homes. In response to concerns about this decision, Pune’s Guardian Minister, Ajit Pawar, clarified the administration’s stance during a press conference.

Pawar explained that a red alert for heavy rain was issued for Pune and nearby areas on Wednesday. “The red alert was given yesterday. Today, holidays have been given to the schools of Pune-Pimpri-Chinchwad. Varasgaon, Panshet, Khadakwasla, and Temghar dams were not full, leading to a situation where water would suffice for Pune for only half the time. Khadakwasla dam holds only three TMC, and with over 8 inches of rain in the upper reaches and about five inches in Pune, the dam quickly filled,” said Pawar.

“Khadakwasla Dam fills up immediately. The gates had to be opened due to three TMC of water entering the dam and an additional three and a half TMC from upstream. Over 45,000 cusecs were discharged from the dam. We decided to release the water early in the morning to avoid flooding people’s homes at night while they were sleeping, which would have caused greater distress. The water has now reached Bund Garden and is expected to reach Daund in a few more hours before moving into Ujani,” Pawar informed.

Pawar emphasized that the Pimpri-Chinchwad commissioner has also been alerted. “Pavana Dam is 70 percent full, and with 15 inches of rain in the upper part, additional water may need to be released. As the water passes through Pune, overflow from Mulshi and other dams like Varasgaon, Panshet, Khadakwasla, and Temghar could contribute to the flow. Citizens should remain vigilant, especially in Maval taluka,” he advised.

Pawar urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. “Continuous rain has caused landslides in some areas. For safety, everyone should stay in their own places,” he said.

NDRF rescue teams are actively working in Pune to manage the flood-like situation. Pawar stated that teams of NDRF and SDRF are on standby across the state, ready for deployment. “Currently, 18 NDRF teams are ready in Kurla-Ghatkopar, two in Thane, one in Raigad, one in Palghar, two in Ratnagiri, and one each in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Six SDRF teams are also prepared,” he said.

Pawar also reported unfortunate incidents related to the flooding. “At around 3 AM, handcarts were illegally parked in the riverbed in Deccan area of Pune, leading to the death of three individuals from electric shock. Despite most riverbank electrical connections being switched off after the rains began, a streetlight was still on, possibly causing the shock,” he explained. Additionally, a landslide in Tamhini Ghat’s Adharwadi area resulted in one death and one injury, while another landslide affected a bungalow in Lavasa, though no one was present at the time. Rescue teams have been sent to these locations,” Pawar added.

The administration continues to monitor the situation closely and urges citizens to cooperate by taking necessary precautions and staying safe.