Pune: In the wake of severe flooding due to early morning water releases from Khadakwasla Dam, numerous areas in Pune have become inundated, with water entering many homes.
Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the situation in a press conference, clarifying the administration’s decisions and actions.
Minister Pawar explained, "Varasgaon, Panshet, Khadakwasla, and Temghar dams were not filled to capacity, which posed a threat to Pune's regular water supply.
Khadakwasla Dam, with a capacity of only 2.75 TMC, quickly filled up due to over 8 inches of rainfall in the upper areas and nearly 5 inches in Pune. This necessitated the opening of the dam gates, resulting in a discharge of over 45,000 cusecs of water."
Pawar emphasized the timing of the water release: "We chose to release the water early in the morning to avoid flooding homes while residents were asleep. The released water has reached Bund Garden and will take a few more hours to reach Daund and eventually Ujani Dam."
Unfortunately, unauthorized vendors operating along the riverbank at 3 AM led to a tragic incident where three people died from electric shocks.
Pawar stated, "After the rain started, most electrical connections near the river were turned off, but the streetlights remained on. Unauthorized use of electricity likely caused the shocks."
Pawar warned of potential further flooding, saying, "Pimpri-Chinchwad's commissioners have been alerted. The Pavana Dam is 70% full, and the upper regions have received 15 inches of rain. Overflow water from Mulshi Dam and other dams in Maval Taluka may also contribute to the situation."
Rescue operations are in full swing, with NDRF teams working diligently in Pune. Statewide, NDRF and SDRF teams are also prepared. "Currently, we have 18 NDRF teams and six SDRF teams ready to respond in various parts of the state," Pawar confirmed.
