Pune gets more Monsoon rains, flood threat returns

Pune gets more Monsoon rains, flood threat returns

Monsoon rain saga continues over Pune, as weather conditions remain favourable for more spells of rains.

Rain bearing clouds have been engulfing the entire city since early Friday morning and at present, moderate showers are lashing several parts of the city. In span of mere three hours from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, Pune has recorded 25 mm of rain.

According to Skymet Weather, sky remains overcast and on and off scattered showers of varied intensity will continue over the city throughout the day. Few heavy spells are also likely in between. Nearby areas are also expected to record heavy to very heavy rains.

With this, flood threat has returned to the city. Just 24 hours back, a high alert was sounded over the city after the state irrigation department had released tons of water from the overflowing Khadakwasla Dam into Pune’s Mutha river.

However, we expect intensity of rains is likely to decrease gradually after the next 24 hours. As per the weathermen, presently the off-shore trough is active and most parts of Coastal Maharashtra and Western Ghats will continue to record heavy to heavy rains but interior parts such as Pune and adjoining areas will record light rain.

Khadakwasla Dam water release ends Pune's water woes

After flood warning was issued in Pune, nearby river Mutha swelled up after the incessant rains and water released from Khadakwasla Dam in last 24 hours. The water was released after the Khadakwasla dam’s capacity rose to 90%.

Yesterday morning the dam released water at a rate of 2,000 cusecs which later turned up to 39,611 cusecs of water by evening. (Cusec – flow of water in the river cubic feet per second – 28.317 liters per second).

Residents living alongside the banks of the river were advised to move to safer places. Due to the previous 2 years of below normal rainfall in Pune, the residents were excited to see the river Mutha swell up.

One resident of Sinhagad Road said, "After a long time, the river is in a spate. We did not see this much water in Mutha for almost two years, this means we have enough water in stock and we won't have to rely on tankers this year.”

Other than Khadakwasla Dam, Gunjawani and Vadivale dams also reached their full capacity. The nonstop rains during the last 48 hours have already sent alarms of flood.

Due to the sensitivity in the area, the Pune forest department on Wednesday stopped vehicle entry for visitors to Sinhagad Ghat. The release of water from the Khadakwasla dam has been good news for the dried river Mutha but chances of flooding in the city of Pune can be averted if preventive measures are taken promptly.

"Pune is likely to get regular water supply from Thursday onwards, as a resolution for the withdrawal of water cuts was passed in the meeting, " city mayor Prashant Jagtap said in a report.