Pimpri-Chinchwad in Red Alert as Pune Rains Prompt Dam Water Discharge
Red Alert Issued for Low-Lying Areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad as Pavana and Mulshi Reservoirs Overflow Due to Pune Rains
As heavy rainfall continued to batter Pune district, filling dams and necessitating water discharge from reservoirs, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) issued a red alert on Sunday for residents along the Pavana and Mula rivers. Authorities have relocated around 11 individuals to safer locations.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, who visited the flood-affected areas, reported that water had infiltrated housing societies in Sanjay Gandhi Nagar and Subhash Nagar. “We enlisted the help of the police to evacuate residents, some of whom were reluctant to leave their homes,” Singh said. The displaced individuals are being accommodated in civic schools where they are provided with food, water, and medical assistance.
Singh noted that the discharge from the Pavana dam was 9,000 cusecs and from the Mulshi dam was 27,000 cusecs on Sunday. Despite the heavy rainfall since the previous day, the intensity had decreased by late afternoon and evening. “We remain vigilant and are continuing to move people to safety. While we have relocated 1,100 people, many have also sought refuge with relatives,” he added.
Singh explained that the increased discharge from the Khadakvasla dam in the Mutha river, in addition to the Pavana and Mulshi dams, has also contributed to rising water levels in the Pavana and Mula rivers. “The backwaters from the Mutha river are causing the Pavana and Mula rivers to swell,” he noted.
Civic officials reported that a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is stationed in Chinchwad as a precautionary measure. The team arrived in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Sunday morning to address any worsening of the situation.
Domnic Lobo, a Sangvi resident near the Mula river, stated, “We moved to our son’s home when the river’s water level reached around 15 feet. Several families from Sangamnagar and Mulanagar have also relocated to safer areas.”
The Disaster Management unit of PCMC operates directly under the municipal commissioner. It includes three Additional Municipal Commissioners assigned to different areas, with deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners working under them, as well as zonal officers.
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