Heavy spells of rains in Pune have led to a flood threat in some of the areas of city. The irrigation department has discharged water from Khadakwasla dam and four bridges in city have been closed due to overflowing fears
Heavy spells of rains in Pune have led to a flood threat in some of the areas of city. The irrigation department has discharged water from Khadakwasla dam and four bridges in city have been closed due to overflowing fears.
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Until June, around 1.5 TMC water was left for Pune in Khadakwasla dam, and a decision was to be made about handling scarcity of water through waters cut. But, with the active rainfall in July end and August beginning, the water in the dam has crossed the 15 TMC and almost 90 per cent of dams are full. From Wednesday onwards, incessant rains have meant water has been released from Khadakwasla, Varasgaon, Panshet and Temghar dams.
Due to fear of overflowing, Baba Bhide bridge, Dengle bridge, Vriddheshwar bridge, and Jayant Tilak bridge have been closed. No vehicles will be allowed to move on it.
Despite good rains though, the city is still facing water cuts. On Friday, local political parties gheraoed the collector in Pune and also approached Minister Girish Bapat demanding the water cut be rolled back.
According to an India Meteorological Department official said, “Rains are good in Maharashtra this year, including the Konkan and Vidarbha belt. Even in Marathwada, the spell of rain is good. It shall continue to pour for another week.”
As per IMD report, on Friday evening, Pune received 43 mm rains, Mahabaleshwar 117 mm, Nashik 7 mm, Mumbai 23 mm, Santa Cruz 129 mm, Alibaug 12 mm, Ratnagiri 42 mm and Aurangabad 21 mm.
Pune collector Saurabh Rao said, “Due to Lavasa landslide, some 100 tourists were stuck. Our team was working day and night and by Friday morning the road was clear. Still, there was debris saturated on road due, which were cleared by evening. Heavy rains have been received in dams and catchment areas and there is indication of flood. But, we are gearing up for it and precautionary measures has been taken in rural areas as well as the city.”