Pune, 6th July 2026: Heavy rainfall in the Maval region led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Indrayani River on Sunday after a large volume of water was released from Vadivale Dam.
The overflowing river caused flood-like conditions in Alandi, prompting the Alandi Municipal Council's emergency team to rescue nearly 250 Warkaris stranded in dharmashalas and a darshan hall.
Floodwaters entered several dharmashalas in the Siddhabet and Gopalpura areas, trapping pilgrims who had arrived in Alandi for the Ashadhi Wari. Emergency teams safely evacuated around 20 Warkaris from Dnyaneshwari Temple, 100 from Indrayani Nagar, 60 from Thakurbuwa Dharmashala, and 20 from other dharmashalas in Gopalpura.
In a separate operation, 10 Warkaris stranded near the darshan queue at Vaitageshwar Temple on the riverbank were also rescued and shifted to safer locations.
Following the rising water level, the municipal council directed all dharmashalas in Siddhabet and those located along the Sadhakashram–Dudulgaon road to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The flood also caused extensive damage to infrastructure across Alandi. Two temporary changing rooms built for women pilgrims along the Indrayani river were washed away, while a portion of the darshan queue structure near the river was swept away by the strong current.
Protective railings and safety mesh installed on both the old and new bridges also suffered significant damage.
Floodwater entered several shops near the Shani Temple on the western side of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Temple complex, causing losses worth thousands of rupees to shopkeepers.
Several key bridges in Alandi remain submerged due to the swollen river. The bridge connecting Sadhakashram and Dnyaneshwari Temple, the bridge near Garud Stambh linking Dehu Phata and Chakan Road, and both the old and new bridges connecting Alandi Nagar Parishad Chowk with Dehu Phata are under water.
Water has also reached the parapet of the bridge on the Alandi–Charholi bypass road, although limited vehicular movement is continuing with caution.
Municipal officials have urged devotees and local residents to stay away from the riverbanks, avoid submerged roads and bridges, and follow official advisories until the flood situation improves.
