Pune: In a patriotic display ahead of Independence Day, the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department has illuminated the dam's spillway with dazzling lights in the colors of the Indian national flag. The lighting, arranged as part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, was unveiled on Tuesday (August 13).

To further celebrate the occasion, a laser show featuring patriotic themes is scheduled for the night of August 14. According to Shweta Kurhade, Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department, the show will run from 6:30 PM to 9:45 PM and can be viewed from the nearby bridge.

In addition to the festivities, the department has made arrangements for a special visit for students from grade seven and above on August 15.

Students, accompanied by their parents and carrying their school ID cards, will be allowed access to the dam wall area from 10 AM to 5 PM to increase awareness of the dam as a national water resource.

This year, the dam's spillway has been illuminated not only with steady lights but also with beams of white light projected into the sky. Saffron, white, and green balloon arches add to the festive atmosphere. Similar lighting arrangements have been made at the Panshet and Varasgaon dams.

Despite the festive lighting, there has been no water release from the dam's spillway into the river. However, as of 5 PM on Tuesday (August 13), 1,005 cusecs of water is being released from the Khadakwasla Dam into its canal.

The dam is currently holding 1.77 TMC of water, which is 89.84% of its capacity. The Panshet Dam is at 98.67% capacity with 10.51 TMC of water, and the Varasgaon Dam, where water release for power generation has been halted, is at 96.63% capacity with 12.39 TMC.

The Temghar Dam is at full capacity with 3.71 TMC, and 114 cusecs of water is flowing over its spillway, with an additional 275 cusecs being released for power generation.