Pune: After heavy rains led to the release of a significant amount of water from the Khadakwasla Dam, the Mutha River flooded, drawing crowds of residents eager to witness the spectacle.

Families gathered on various bridges throughout the city, prompting police to establish a presence to manage the crowds and ensure safety.

With bridges crowded, many opted to view the flood from the metro. The Vanaz to Ramwadi metro route provided an excellent vantage point, and some people specifically traveled by metro to see the flood.

The city experienced minimal rainfall last year, and the Mutha River did not flood, even with water releases from the dam. However, continuous rain over the past week, culminating in heavy downpours over the last two days, resulted in a substantial water release from the dam, causing the river to overflow.

Early Thursday morning, the Jayant Tilak Bridge near the Municipal Corporation Building and Bhide Bridge were closed to traffic as the water level rose after midnight on Wednesday.

The administration declared a holiday for schools, colleges, and offices. By Thursday afternoon, the rain had subsided somewhat, and many people ventured out with their families to witness the flood.

Significant crowds gathered at the Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde Bridge in Shaniwar Peth, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bridge in Deccan Gymkhana, Chhatrapati Shivaji Bridge, Dengle Bridge in Kasaba Peth, Mhatre Bridge, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Setu in Yerawada, and the old bridge in Yerawada. Families enjoyed the unique sight of the Mutha River in flood.

Throughout the day, crowds were seen on various city bridges, and police maintained a presence to manage the situation and prevent any accidents.