Pune: A sudden release of water from the Khadakwasla Dam led to flooding in the Mutha River, causing significant damage to drum troupes (Dhol Tasha Pathak) practicing for the upcoming Ganesh Festival.

As water levels rose near the Omkareshwar Temple, young drummers made desperate attempts to save their instruments, only to be thwarted by the swiftly rising floodwaters.

The flood, caused by heavy rains in Pune and the Khadakwasla Dam project, inundated the river with an estimated 55,000 cusecs of water, much more than the 35,556 cusecs reported by the Irrigation Department. As the water recedes, affected citizens are beginning to pick up the pieces of their disrupted lives.

Among the casualties of the flood are the drum troupes, which had been intensively practicing for the Ganesh Festival scheduled to begin in September. Evening practices at Omkareshwar Ghat, Mutheshwar Ghat, Narayan Peth, Pulachi Wadi, Khilare Vasti, and Bhide Bridge areas came to an abrupt halt as the floodwaters swept through.

Yajnesh Mundlik from the Nu.Ma.Vi troupe shared the harrowing experience: "Around 3 AM, the river flooded near Omkareshwar Temple. By the time we got there, the water was ankle-deep, and soon it rose to knee level. We tried moving the drums to the temple, but the water quickly reached chest level, making it impossible to save them. All the drums and cymbals stored in the temple got soaked and severely damaged."

The flood has left 22 troupes reeling, with an estimated loss of 37 lakh rupees. Approximately 310 drums and cymbals were washed away, and around 2,250 drum skins were damaged beyond repair. The skins, even if dried, won't produce the same sound, rendering them useless.