Godavari swells as heavy rains continue in Nashik

Nashik, Jul 8 (PTI) The water level in the Godavari river has increased amid incessant rains in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, as landslides and road closures have been reported, officials said on Wednesday. The district administration has urged people living on the banks of Godavari, Kadva, and Girna rivers to shift their valuables, livestock and other material to safer places amid the discharge of water from various reservoirs, including Palkhed and Nandur Madhmeshwar weir. Nashik city received 120 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Wednesday. As a result, many low-lying areas in the city were waterlogged, while roads remained congested due to slow-moving traffic. A few areas also experienced power cuts for some time. The weather department has forecast more rains in the region. The rising water level of the Godavari River flooded several small temples in the Ramkund area. The Dutondya Maruti idol in Nashik was submerged up to its chest as of 11:30 am, while the Someshwar waterfall near the Lord Someshwar Temple was flowing at full force, officials said. Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam and Nashik police chief Sandeep Karnik visited the Goda Ghat area and took stock of the situation, they said. A landslide at Ganpat Bari led to partial closure of the Trimbakeshwar-Palghar road, they said, adding that the Jalalpur-Govardhan bridge has been closed for traffic. A temporary bridge between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar got washed away due to heavy rains, they said. Meanwhile, the stock in the Gangapur dam, which supplies water to Nashik, has risen to 53.34 per cent. The Satpur-Maule Mala road has been closed due to an overflowing Nandini river at Satpur. PTI COR NR