PUNE, 19 August 2025: Continuous rain in the catchment areas has sharply raised water levels in the Khadakwasla dam chain, forcing authorities to step up water discharge into the Mutha river.
As of Tuesday morning, Temghar dam was almost full at 98.87% and released 300 cusecs. Panshet, holding 97.06% of capacity, discharged nearly 3,996 cusecs, while Varasgaon, at 96.19%, let out around 3,909 cusecs. Together, these three dams have pushed 8,205 cusecs into Khadakwasla.
Khadakwasla itself, which stood 65% full, discharged 2,178 cusecs at 8 am, doubling to 4,356 cusecs by 9 am into the Mutha river. An additional 1,005 cusecs was released through canals, taking the total outflow to 5,361 cusecs.
The heavy release has come at a time when the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Pune district. With rain intensifying since morning, officials expect the discharge to rise further if the downpour continues.
In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s disaster management cell has gone on high alert. Two emergency teams have been stationed in each of the city’s 15 ward offices. Civic officials said they handled several complaints of waterlogging and tree branches falling on roads through the day.
Traffic disruptions were reported in Baner, Shankarsheth Road, and Yerwada near Gunjan Talkies due to flooding. PMC staff cleared blocked drains to restore movement.
Disaster management officer Ganesh Sonune said the corporation was fully prepared but warned that the situation could turn serious if rainfall increased in the ghat region. He urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with civic teams.