By Naysa Shrivastava
Heavy rains in the catchment areas of Pavana and Mulshi dams have caused a sudden rise in water discharge, forcing the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the irrigation department to raise an alert for those residing along the Pavana and Mula rivers. Citizens have been asked to exercise caution and, if needed, relocate to safer grounds.
The Pavana dam was full on Tuesday. Early morning, the release was around 2,860 cusecs of water. This increased to 5,660 cusecs by 2 pm, reaching 11,900 cusecs at 6 pm, and continuing to rise to 15,570 cusecs late in the night. Discharge from Mulshi dam was confirmed by irrigation officials to also increase to 25,400 cusecs by 10 pm. Mulshi’s waters flow into the Mula river, affecting areas like Sangvi, while Pavana’s discharge impacts the entire Pimpri-Chinchwad stretch from Ravet to Dapodi.
Officials warned that the impact of the increasing discharge would be seen at midnight. Locals remembered previous cases of flooding, and Dominic Lobo of Sangvi noted, “In 2005, when Pavana and Mulshi dams’ discharge had reached 45,000 cusecs, it resulted in historic flooding in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The locals should be warned along the river banks.”
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh asserted the civic body was ready for any emergencies. He ordered all the departments to remain on standby, arrange quick relocation if necessary, and offer food, shelter, and medical care to distressed families. Even schools are being made ready as makeshift shelters in the event of houses getting flooded.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a red alert for the Pune district, predicting gusty winds of 40–60 kmph and heavy showers. Water levels were seen increasing in Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani rivers due to inflows and scheduled releases.
Singh further added that fumigation, medical check-ups, and medicine sprays will be put on high gear to avoid seasonal illnesses. Public announcements are being carried out in the low-lying regions. “All our systems are on high alert. I appeal to citizens, and particularly those residing in the vicinity of rivers, to stay alert and help the administration in providing safety,” he stated.