On July 23, the water level in Khadakwasla Dam was recorded at 88.52% by 5 pm. By midnight, the water level rose significantly to 95%. This increase was due to the heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam.
Impact on Pune’s Water Supply The heavy rainfalls have significantly increased the water stock in all four dams that supply water to Pune city. This is the first time this monsoon season that the irrigation department has released water from Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River. The decision was made after the dam’s water stock reached 95% on Wednesday.
Water Release and Public Safety
Water Discharge Dam authorities started releasing water at a rate of 10,000 cusecs from 7:30 am, which caused the Mutha River to swell. The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) disaster management cell warned people living in low-lying areas to stay alert due to the water discharge. By 5 pm, the discharge rate was reduced to 7,276 cusecs due to a decrease in inflow.
Increase in Discharge Capacity As the heavy rains continued, the discharge capacity of Khadakwasla Dam increased to 11,556 cusecs by 11:30 pm. The continuous rainfall in the ghat and catchment areas of the dam caused an increase in inflow since Tuesday.
Timeline of Events
July 23
- 5 pm: Water level at 88.52%
- Midnight: Water level rose to 95%
July 24
- 3:30 am: Water release started due to heavy rainfall and increased inflow, initially at 2,000 cusecs.
- 6:30 pm: Water release increased to 4,708 cusecs.
- 7:00 pm: Water release increased to 9,416 cusecs.
- 7:30 am: Water discharge rate at 10,000 cusecs.
- 5 pm: Water discharge rate reduced to 7,276 cusecs.
- 11:30 pm: Discharge capacity increased to 11,556 cusecs.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
Public Interest This was the first time this monsoon season that all dam gates were opened and water was released on such a large scale. This event drew curious onlookers to the backwaters. To ensure safety, both the police and local administration managed the situation carefully to avoid any accidents.
Advisory Issued The irrigation department issued an advisory for citizens, asking them to be careful and stay alert. This was especially important for people living in low-lying areas.
Current Water Levels in Other Dams
Khadakwasla Dam Cluster On July 24, the collective water level in the Khadakwasla dam cluster was recorded at 63.56%, with a total of 18.53 TMC of water.
Bhama Askhed and Pawana Dams
- Bhama Askhed: Water level at 41.47%
- Pawana: Water level at 48.60%
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Actions
Continuous Monitoring The irrigation department is continuously observing rainfall activity and water levels in the dams. Decisions regarding water release and other measures will be taken as per standard procedures based on the observed data.
Official Statement Shweta Kurde, executive engineer of the Khadakwasla dam cluster, stated that the department is constantly monitoring the situation and will make decisions accordingly.
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