Water discharge begins from Khadakwasla dam in Pune after heavy rainfall in catchment areas

Pune, Jul 8 (PTI) With heavy rains lashing the catchment areas of Pune's reservoirs, water is being released from the Khadakwasla dam into the Mutha river flowing through the city, leading to water-logging in some low-lying areas, officials said on Wednesday. At least five families were moved to a safer location after the discharge of water began, an official said. Over the past three days, Pune city, the 'ghat' (mountain pass) sections around it and the catchment areas of four dams - Khadakwasla, Panshet, Warasgaon and Temghar - have been receiving incessant rainfall. Owing to this, the discharge of water from the Khadakwasla dam has been increased, the irrigation department said. Currently, water is being released from the dam at 27,203 cusecs. The water discharge began around midnight, leading to water-logging and inundation in some housing societies in Sinhagad Road area located along the river. Before the release of water, the Pune Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell alerted residents. "Around five families living in the low-lying Ekta Nagar area off Sinhagad Road were shifted to safer places," said Ganesh Sonune, Deputy Municipal Commissioner and head of the PMC's disaster management cell. PTI SPK NP