Heavy rains lash Pune, meteorological department issues alerts across districts

Pune: Pune has been experiencing heavy rain since early this morning, causing the city’s water-supplying dams to fill to the brim. The ongoing downpour has prompted the Meteorological Department to issue an orange alert for the district today, warning of increased rainfall intensity over the next two to three days.

Heavy Rainfall Predicted Across Maharashtra

Heavy rains have once again swept across Maharashtra after a brief two-day respite. The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain in several districts today, with a specific warning for the Ghat Matha area, including Pune. Moderate to heavy rains are also expected in other parts of the state.

Alerts Issued for Various Regions

The Meteorological Department has issued different alerts for various regions in Maharashtra:

Red Alert: Kolhapur is on red alert today, with heavy rain expected.

Orange Alert: Issued for Pune and Satara districts in Western Maharashtra, and Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts in Konkan.

Yellow Alert: Issued for some districts in Marathwada, the entire Vidarbha region, as well as Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Nashik.

Heavy Rain Expected for Next Three Days

Senior meteorologist Manikrao Khule has predicted heavy rainfall in the state for the next three days, lasting until August 4. Khule forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall across various regions during this period.

Bhatghar Dam Near Full Capacity

The Bhatghar Dam in Bhor taluka of Pune district, a British-era structure built in 1927, reached 98% capacity this morning. The Water Resources Department tested 45 automatic gates at 10:45 am, initiating water discharge into the Nira River at a rate of 31,000 cusecs. This release is expected to increase the water storage of the Ujani Dam.

With all four dams supplying water to Pune City now filled to the brim, the region is well-prepared to meet water demands despite the heavy rainfall. The situation, however, requires continued vigilance and preparedness as the intensity of rain is expected to persist in the coming days.

Water Storage Levels in Pune’s Dams

The continuous rain has significantly impacted the water levels in Pune’s dams:

Khadakwasla Dam: 72.83%

Panshet Dam: 90.72%

Varasgaon Dam: 92.82%

Temghar Dam: 93.28%