Over 10 TMC Water Discharged from Pune Dams Amid Heavy Rainfall, Ujani Dam Approaching Full Capacity
Over 10 TMC Water Discharged from Pune Dams Amid Heavy Rainfall, Ujani Dam Approaching Full Capacity
Over 10 TMC of water has been released from Khadakwasla, Panshet, and Warasgaon dams in the past two weeks due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, according to irrigation department officials.
- Ujani Dam Stock: Water from Khadakwasla cluster fills Ujani dam to 80% capacity.
- Rainfall Impact: Over 10 TMC water discharged from Khadakwasla, Panshet, and Warasgaon dams.
- Advisories Issued: Low-lying areas alerted for potential water level rise in rivers.
- IMD Red Alert: Heavy to extreme rainfall forecast for Pune, Satara, and Palghar districts.
The water discharged from the Khadakwasla cluster, comprising four dams, has significantly increased the stock in Ujani dam to 80%. The irrigation department officials reported that more than 10 TMC of water has been released from Khadakwasla, Panshet, and Warasgaon dams amid heavy rainfall over the past fortnight.
Since July 15, the dam catchment areas in Pune district have experienced moderate to heavy and occasionally intense rainfall. This has led to a rapid increase in inflow and consequent rise in dam water levels. In the last two days, the ghat sections and dam catchment areas have received over 100 mm of rainfall, notably in Maval, Mulshi, Welhe, and Junnar tehsils.
Water release from Khadakwasla dam began on July 24 when its stock reached 95%. Panshet dam followed on July 28, and Warasgaon on August 2. The irrigation department has issued advisories to residents in low-lying areas due to the possibility of rising river water levels.
The current water levels in Bhama Askhed and Pavana dams, which supply drinking water to East Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, stand at 85.15% and 81.36% respectively. Overall, the collective water storage for dams in Pune division is 77.59%, a notable increase from last year’s 63.07% on the same date.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Pune district on August 4, predicting heavy to extreme rainfall in Konkan and Central Maharashtra, and moderate to heavy rainfall in Marathwada and Vidarbha. A similar alert is in place for Satara and Palghar districts, with extreme rainfall expected in ghat areas. Rainfall activity is anticipated to subdue in Pune district from August 5 onwards.
