Khadakwasla Dam Water Release Heavy Rain Reservoir

As heavy rain continues to lash Pune, the district administration on Tuesday sounded an alert for people living in low-lying areas along the Mutha river downstream of the Khadakwasla dam, due to the possibility of water being released from the spillway at any time.

“There is heavy rainfall in the Khadakwasla Dam catchment area and the reservoir was at 62 per cent of its capacity as of 4 am. Given the sustained rainfall and the rising inflows, the reservoir could reach 80 per cent capacity or more within the next few hours. Depending on prevailing weather conditions, there is a strong possibility of water being released from the dam’s spillway at any time,” said an officer of the district Irrigation Department.

He said, “Residents are advised not to enter the riverbed. Those who have vehicles, livestock, or any other movable property in the riverbed should shift them to safer locations immediately.”

The department has issued instructions to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other civic bodies downstream of the Khadakwasla dam to issue alerts to residents in the low-lying areas and take appropriate action. “All are requested to take proper precautions and vigilance and cooperate with the Irrigation Department,” he said.

Only a few days ago, the water level in the dam had dropped sharply due to a delay in monsoon, forcing the PMC to impose water cuts in the city to conserve the available supply. However, the heavy rain in recent days has doubled the water in dams.

The city draws its water from Khadawasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temvhar dams, located upstream of the Mutha River.

“We are happy that it rained finally. Otherwise the situation would have been serious. The total water storage in the four dams has increased from around 3 TMC to nearly 7 TMC. We will review the situation after a week and then take a decision on whether to continue the water cuts,” said Municipal Commissioner Naval Koshore Ram.