Pune: The irrigation department has increased the discharge from Khadakwasla dam spillway into Mutha river basin at 9:00 am from 11407 cusecs to 13981 cusecs. Additionally, the discharge from Mulshi Dam is increased to 10011 cusecs at 12 noon.

District administration has appealed to citizens to take proper precautions and vigilance and follow instructions received from the administration.

Meanwhile, consistent rainfall in the catchment area has brought the Nira Deoghar Dam (Bhor Taluka) to 94% capacity by Friday (August 2) morning. Consequently, 2,653 cusecs of water began being released from the spillway at 9 AM, adding to the 750 cusecs already being discharged through the powerhouse. This totals a significant outflow of 3,403 cusecs into the Nira River.

The increased water release has prompted authorities to issue a safety alert to residents of villages along the Nira River. Executive Engineer D.G. Dubal of the Pune Irrigation Department advised villagers to avoid the riverbed, secure construction materials and workers, and relocate any drinking water and agricultural pumps to safer locations.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of taking necessary precautions and staying vigilant due to the elevated water levels.

As of now, the combined water storage in the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, Temghar dams stands at 26.18 TMC, nearly 90% of their capacity. Significant rainfalls have been recorded, and ongoing water discharges are necessary to manage the rising levels.

With these dams over 90% full, excess rainwater will need to be released into the river to maintain 100% levels in the dams, potentially resulting in higher discharges.