Pune: Continuous heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Warasgaon, and Temghar dams led to a significant rise in water levels across all four dams in the Khadakwasla cluster on Saturday (August 25). In response, the release of water from the Khadakwasla Dam was progressively increased throughout the day.

The day saw 40 mm of rainfall at Khadakwasla Dam, 116 mm at Panshet, 112 mm at Warasgaon, and a substantial 150 mm at Temghar Dam. The rise in water levels necessitated the release of water from the Panshet, Warasgaon, and Temghar dams, all of which flow into Khadakwasla Dam. The cumulative effect of the rainfall and dam discharges caused a significant increase in the water inflow.

By 8 PM, the discharge from Khadakwasla Dam reached 27,841 cusecs, with earlier releases recorded at 1,462 cusecs in the morning and progressively increased throughout the day. Similarly, Panshet Dam saw its discharge levels rise to 8,920 cusecs by 4 PM, while Warasgaon and Temghar dams also released water at increasing rates to manage the rising water levels.

In the Sinhagad Road area, particularly in the Ekta Nagari locality, the river's rising water levels caused localized flooding late at night. At around 10 PM, a release of 31,515 cusecs into the river led to water overflowing into nearby residential areas instead of merging with the river flow.

The societies of Shamsundar, Jalpujan, Sharda Sarovar, Sai Siddharth, and Dwarka were among those affected. In response, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) cut off electricity supply to the area, and the Pune Municipal Corporation deployed all necessary flood control measures, alerting residents to stay vigilant.

Dam Water Storage Levels:

• Khadakwasla – 1.69 TMC – 85.53%

• Panshet – 10.46 TMC – 98.23%

• Warasgaon – 12.76 TMC – 99.54%

• Temghar – 3.71 TMC – 100%

• Total – 28.62 TMC – 98.18%