Pune on Yellow Alert as Heavy Rain Continues

Pune has been experiencing continuous rainfall for the past two days, resulting in moderate to heavy showers across the city and surrounding regions. The persistent rain has caused waterlogging, slower traffic movement, and a steady rise in water levels across the district's major reservoirs.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for Pune district, forecasting light to moderate rainfall at isolated places over the next three hours. The administration has appealed to citizens to remain alert and follow official advisories as water levels continue to rise in several dams.

Due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, authorities have started or increased water releases from multiple reservoirs to regulate storage levels. Residents living along riverbanks and in low-lying areas have been advised to stay away from riverbeds and to immediately move livestock, vehicles, water pumps, and other belongings to safer locations.

Mulshi Dam has reached 81% of its storage capacity, and 1,000 cusecs of water was released into the Mula River through the spillway from 10:30 am on Wednesday. Officials said the discharge may be increased or reduced depending on rainfall intensity and inflow into the reservoir.

Vadivale Dam in Maval taluka has filled up to 99.60% of its capacity due to continuous rainfall in the catchment. To maintain safe water levels, authorities increased the discharge through the spillway from 3,592 cusecs to 4,704 cusecs at 8:30 am. Officials said the discharge may be revised depending on rainfall and inflow into the dam.

The Khadakwasla dam system had a total water storage of 19.27 TMC (66%) as of 8 am on July 22, against its total live storage capacity of 29.15 TMC. The reservoir-wise storage is: Khadakwasla: 1.43 TMC (73%) Panshet: 7.56 TMC (71%) Varasgaon: 8.47 TMC (66%) Temghar: 1.81 TMC (49%). Current inflows into the reservoirs stand at 8,851 cusecs for Khadakwasla, 4,606 cusecs for Panshet, 6,319 cusecs for Varasgaon and 920 cusecs for Temghar.

Authorities said 1,054 cusecs of water is currently being released through the Khadakwasla Right Bank. The situation is being closely monitored, and residents are advised to stay alert and follow official advisories.

The heavy rainfall and subsequent water releases from the dams have raised concerns about flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone areas.

The Pune administration is working to mitigate the effects of the heavy rainfall and ensure the safety of residents. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates will be provided as necessary.

In conclusion, the heavy rainfall in Pune has resulted in a Yellow Alert being issued, and residents are advised to stay alert and follow official advisories. The situation is being closely monitored, and necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of residents.