Pune: In response to the escalating rainfall intensity in Pune city and its surrounding districts, District Collector Dr. Suhas Divase has announced a holiday for all schools in the affected areas on July 25.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall in Pune city, Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, and Haveli talukas. Consequently, all schools in these areas will remain closed on July 25.

Dr. Divase, who also chairs the District Disaster Management Authority, has emphasized the importance of caution as the Khadakwasla Dam has begun releasing 40,000 cusecs of water. The potential for waterlogging in Pune's low-lying regions is significant, prompting an advisory for residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Restricted Zones Due to Dam Water Release:

Beginning at 6 am, 35,574 cusecs of water have been discharged from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River. The dam area has experienced over 100 millimeters of rainfall, with the Ghats seeing more than 200 millimeters.

Given the possibility of increased water discharge, several areas have been declared off-limits to the public.

Restricted areas include Bhide Bridge, Khillare Vasti College area in Garware College, Shitala Devi Temple in Deccan, the settlement in front of Sangam Bridge, Jayantaro Tilak Bridge, and Holkar Bridge.

The restrictions are a safety measure communicated by the Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department.

It may be recalled that red and orange alerts for Pune District (Ghat region) and Pune city respectively, issued by the IMD had prompted the district administration to force schools closure on July 9 in the entire district earlier this month.

However, a sunny morning on that day followed by a blame-game between IMD and district officials had led to citizens questioning 'lack of comprehension' by the district officials.