Pune: Heavy rains in Bhor taluka have led to the release of a significant amount of water from the Nira Devghar and Bhatghar dams, causing the water level in the Nira River to rise substantially.

On Sunday (August 4), water began overflowing the bridge connecting the villages of Sangvi Guma and Hartali near Bhatghar Dam, prompting the administration to close the bridge to traffic. This closure has disrupted traffic on the Bhor-Pune road.

In the morning, the water level was two feet below the bridge, but the continuous heavy rain caused a rapid rise in water levels. By 2:30 PM, water was flowing over the bridge.

Upon receiving this information, Tehsildar Sachin Patil ordered the bridge to be closed. Police and villagers from Sangvi quickly barricaded both sides of the bridge, effectively closing it to traffic.

Arun Kadam, Resident Deputy Tehsildar, Bhor stated, "Due to the flooding over the Hartali bridge, the bridge has been closed. Traffic from Bhor to Pune has been redirected via the Bhor-Shindewadi-Sarola-Kapurhol route."

Earlier this week, Forest Department had closed Sinhagad Fort to tourists on Saturday (August 3) and Sunday (August 4) due to heavy rainfall in the Sinhagad and Khadakwasla regions.

The Wildlife Department has also closed nature trails in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary for tourism until September 30, due to the risk of accidents on slippery paths caused by the monsoon.

The closed areas include routes to Kondhwal Waterfall, Chondi Waterfall in Khopivali, Nhani Waterfall near Padarwadi, Subhedar Waterfall in Nariwali, and the entire route from Khandas to Bhimashankar including Ghoghal Ghat Nala and Shidi Ghat from Padarwadi to Kathewadi.