Pune: Continuous rainfall over the past few days has prompted authorities to increase water discharge from two of Pune’s key reservoirs—Khadakwasla and Panshet Dam—as water levels steadily rise. Officials from the Maharashtra Irrigation Department confirmed on Saturday morning that they are maintaining close watch on the situation, with precautionary discharges being carried out to ensure both reservoir safety and downstream preparedness.
As of 10:00 AM, the release from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River was raised significantly, reaching 3,789 cusecs, up from the earlier 2,105 cusecs. Similarly, Panshet Dam began releasing a combined 1,095 cusecs of water—of which 600 cusecs flowed through its hydroelectric power facility while another 495 cusecs was released via the spillway. Officials added that these figures are not fixed and future discharges will be revised depending on the intensity of rainfall over the weekend along with the inflows entering the reservoirs.
Administration on Alert, Public Cautioned
The Pune District Administration has already issued a cautious advisory for residents, particularly those staying in low-lying zones along the Mutha River and connected areas. Such localities are vulnerable to swelling river levels whenever discharges increase. Authorities have therefore urged citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel along riverbeds and banks, and to promptly follow emergency instructions if rainfall intensifies further. “We are taking controlled steps to prevent flooding risks, but the cooperation of citizens remains equally important,” said an irrigation department official.
Emergency response teams are on standby while disaster management units are strengthening monitoring systems. River gauges, weather radars, and reservoir inflows are under round-the-clock watch.
Weather Department Issues Rainfall Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has highlighted that Pune city and surrounding areas are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the weekend. An Orange Alert has been announced for Saturday and Sunday, which means residents should remain vigilant and prepare for significant rainfall activity. The downpour is expected to intensify further by Sunday.
Meanwhile, the ghat regions near Pune district—including stretches towards Raigad—are facing a more severe threat. A Red Alert has been issued for these hilly belts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall that may lead to potential landslides, overflowing streams, and travel disruptions. Rural areas near the ghats and river catchments have been asked to take additional care.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Although Pune has experienced wet spells throughout September, the latest surge in rainfall is raising concern about reservoir inflows. Khadakwasla and Panshet dams remain among the most important sources of water supply for Pune city, and hence balancing storage requirements with safety measures is a sensitive exercise for engineers and administrators.
Experts say that controlled releases like those initiated on Saturday are a standard step during monsoon peaks to ensure dams remain structurally safe and prepared for future inflows should the rain continue. However, such discharges temporarily increase the risk for low-lying settlements along the Mutha River, making caution essential.
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With unpredictable weather and heavy storms forecast, citizens are urged to avoid venturing into ghats or flooded zone-prone stretches, to monitor official alerts closely, and to prioritize safety above all.
Source: Free Press Journal
