Pune People Express Disappointment Over Sudden Discharge of Water by Administration
Pune: Pune city and its surrounding areas are grappling with significant water accumulation following the release of a large volume of water from the Khadakwasla Dam on Thursday morning. The decision to release water, driven by heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment area, has led to water levels reaching 2 to 3 feet in some parts of the city.
Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune, Ajit Pawar, attributed the situation to the substantial rainfall in both the Khadakwasla dam and its catchment area. Despite the government’s rationale, many citizens have expressed their frustration and anger over the lack of prior warning and the resulting inconvenience.
Residents in affected areas have voiced their grievances. A woman from Ekta Nagar, speaking to the TV9 Marathi news channel, criticised the administration’s handling of the situation. “Why was there no warning before releasing the water at night? We have been seriously affected by this decision, so call the commissioner here first. Why did they discharge the water at night? Ask them for an answer,” she demanded.
The distress among citizens is palpable, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, patients, and newborns. “A ten-day-old baby has been pulled out of the water. There is a two and a half-kilo baby, a sick baby. But no one came to help. We have been awake since last night. No one should come here now. Water has been discharged without informing people. We have been waiting. No corporator should come here. We will not starve. We have relatives here to feed us. Who will compensate us now?” the woman expressed angrily.
The release of water from Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River basin began at a rate of 35,574 cusecs at 6 a.m. The dam area has recorded an average rainfall of 100 mm, with over 200 mm recorded in the ghat region. The discharge rate may increase further depending on ongoing rainfall, leading to a prohibition on citizens visiting certain areas.
The heavy rainfall affecting all four dams in the Khadakwasla Dam Chain Project has prompted further action. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar instructed the Water Resources Department to maximise water release from the dams into the river until the evening. The rationale behind this is to allow for water storage in the event of further rainfall in the dam areas overnight. Pawar assured that this approach would prevent additional suffering for citizens.
