Pune: The Bhama Askhed Dam in Khed Taluka has begun releasing 3086 cusecs of water into the Bhama River starting at 10:30 AM on Sunday (August 4).

The dam administration has indicated that the discharge may increase due to rapidly rising water levels from ongoing rainfall. Villages along the river have been advised to remain alert. Currently, the dam is 91.35% full.

Last year, the first discharge from the dam was released on September 24th. This year, the first discharge has started today, August 4th, with water being released through all four gates of the dam, raised by 30 cm.

On this date last year, the dam's water storage was at 79.78%. Compared to the Chas Kaman Dam in Khed Taluka, the Bhama Askhed Dam has started releasing water later this year. The filling of the dams has brought satisfaction to the residents.

Heavy rainfall in the dam area over the past two to three days has led to a significant increase in water inflow. The Bhama Askhed Dam, an earthen dam located on the Bhama River in the western part of Khed Taluka, has a water storage capacity of 8.14 TMC.

Since June 1st this year, the area has recorded 938 mm of rainfall. Currently, the dam has a total water storage of 7.48 TMC, with 7.01 TMC of usable water.

Further decisions regarding the discharge will be made based on the inflow in the catchment area, as stated by Assistant Engineer (Grade 1) Ashwin Pawar, Branch Engineer Nilesh Ghare-Deshmukh, and Canal Inspector Vasant Dhoke.