Alert Sounded in Pune as Khadakwasla Dam Reaches 90% Capacity and Water Release into Mutha River Increases
What Do Cusec, TMC, and Discharge Mean Amidst Maharashtra's Flood Crisis?
Pune: Due to heavy rainfall in the Khadakwasla Dam area over the past two days, the dam has reached 90 percent capacity as of 6 PM on Tuesday.
As of 7:00 AM, the discharge from the Khadakwasla Dam spillway into the Mutha River basin has been increased to 9,416 cusecs, up from the previous 4,708 cusecs. Authorities indicate that further changes to the discharge rate may be made as necessary, depending on rainfall levels and inflow. Residents should be aware that discharge rates may fluctuate based on weather conditions, and continuous updates will be provided as the situation develops.
As of 5 PM on Tuesday, Panshet Dam holds 6.88 TMC, or 64.64 percent of its capacity, while Varasgaon Dam is at 6.49 TMC (50.66 percent) and Temghar Dam at 1.65 TMC (44.41 percent). The total water storage in the four-dam chain has reached 16.77 TMC, or 57.53 percent of their combined capacity, with Khadakwasla Dam alone holding 1.75 TMC.
Rainfall measurements from 6 AM to 5 PM on Tuesday recorded 13 mm at Khadakwasla Dam, 41 mm at Panshet, 42 mm at Varasgaon, and 60 mm at Temghar.
Officials are closely monitoring rainfall and inflows in the Khadakwasla Dam area to manage the potential water release into the Mutha River. The initial discharge will be at a rate of 450 cusecs, with adjustments based on need. The Khadakwasla Dam has reached 90% of its capacity today. Due to heavy rains in the catchment areas of the dam, water is being released into the Mutha River since last midnight. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Police Administration have been advised to maintain strict vigilance and alertness, informed the executive engineer of the Khadakwasla irrigation department.
An alert issued this morning warns citizens to avoid entering the riverbed and to move any material or animals immediately from the area. Residents in low-lying areas are urged to take proper precautions and remain vigilant.
