Pune: Continuous heavy rainfall in the western region of Khed taluka has resulted in a substantial inflow of water into the Bhama Askhed Dam, prompting authorities to increase the water discharge as a safety measure.

The discharge was raised from 3,616 cusecs to 6,979 cusecs starting at 11 a.m. today. Currently, the Bhama Askhed Dam is filled to 100% capacity.

The dam has raised all four of its gates by two feet to accommodate the increased discharge. Built on the Bhama River in the western region of Khed taluka, the earthen Bhama Askhed Dam has an 8.14 TMC water storage capacity.

Since June 1st this year, the dam area has recorded 1,180 mm of rainfall. In contrast, last year, the total recorded rainfall in the dam area was only 813 mm. This indicates that the rainfall this year has been satisfactory.

Currently, the dam has a total water storage of 8.14 TMC, with 7.67 TMC of usable water. On the same date last year, the dam had 86.87% of its water capacity.

Based on the water inflow from the catchment area, further decisions will be made regarding increasing or decreasing the discharge.

Hence, it is advised that no one enters the riverbed, and if any belongings or animals are in the riverbed, they should be moved immediately, according to Assistant Engineer (Grade 1) Ashwin Pawar, Section Engineer Nilesh Ghare-Deshmukh, and Canal Inspector Vasant Dhokre.