Floods in Pune, citizens appealed to stay home

Pune: Many areas in the city, including those along the Mutha river, have been inundated following heavy rain in the city and the district. Water is being released from the Khadakwasla Dam. Schools have been closed. DYCM Ajit Pawar reviewed the flood situation and issued instructions to administration.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed the NDRF and the Indian Army to help out citizens stranded in floods. Shinde also instructed the administration to remain alert as more water is likely to be released from the dam.

Incessant rains continued in Pune while heavy rainfall was reported in Bhor, Velhe, Maval, Mulshi and Haveli talukas. Around 40,000 cusecs water was being discharged from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha river. This resulted in flooding of low-lying areas in the city. The NDRF team is evacuating citizens from these areas.

Ajit Pawar held a review meeting at the disaster monitoring cell in Mantralaya following reports of excessive rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Pune and elsewhere in the State. He directed officials concerned to coordinate with others and provide relief and rescue to affected areas.

CM Shinde said, “I spoke to the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, NDRF and other officials on the phone. NDRF boats have been deployed. Help is provided speedily and people need not panic. I have instructed the administration as the discharge from the dam will be increased further. Citizens will be shifted to safer areas. DyCM Ajit Pawar is at the control room. I spoke with him.”

Ajit Pawar contacted District Collector Suhas Diwase in the morning. They discussed the flood situation and reviewed the rescue and relief preparedness. Instructions have been issued to help people in affected areas immediately. An appeal has been made to citizens not to step out of their homes without any important reason. They have been advised to contact the nearby government machinery for help in the event of an emergency situation.

Pawar has instructed the Divisional Commissioner and the District Collector to remain alert for providing help to affected areas. They have been asked to get in touch with NDRF officials to provide emergency help to people. Shelters and food grains will be given to affected citizens. The State Administration and the State Emergency Relief Department have been instructed to contact the district offices and work in coordination.