Pune: After rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam, Khadakwasla Irrigation Division released 31,449 cusecs water in Mutha river on Wednesday evening. The Traffic Police Department has closed down the submerged Baba Bhide Bridge for traffic and appealed to people to avoid the riverside road for traffic. The Traffic Police Department has appealed to citizens to use Lakdi Pul for two-wheelers.
Due to closing of riverbed roads, traffic congestion was reported in Deccan area, Karve Road, JM Road, FC Road and peth areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rainfall in Konkan and Central Maharashtra region. For the last two days, there is heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Khadakwasla, Temghar, Varasgaon, Panshet, Mulshi and Pavana dams.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Deshmukh said, “As Bhide Bridge has been closed for traffic due to rise in water level in Mutha river, two-wheeler riders can use Lakdi Pul on which otherwise bikes are not allowed.”
Speaking to Sakal Times, Ganesh Sonune, Head of Disaster Management Department of the PMC said, “There is nothing to worry about the water released. Our ward officers are visiting riverside areas. The department has set up a 24x7 helpline. The situation is under control and we have all plans to tackle flood-like situation.”
The Khadakwasla Irrigation Division includes Khadakwasla, Temghar, Varasgaon and Panshet dams. From these dams, Khadakwasla Division has started releasing water from Tuesday. It was started at 7,000 cusecs and now it reached 31,449 cusecs on Wednesday evening at 6 pm.
From the last two days, the Irrigation Division recorded rainfall as follows Khadakwasla dam catchment area 1,054 mm, Panshet dam catchment area 3,081 mm, Varasgaon 3,069 mm and Temghar 4,307 mm.
According to the Irrigation Division of Pune Circle officials, due to heavy rainfall in catchment areas of the dams, the Division has increased release of water quantum in Mula-Mutha rivers. From Khadakwasla dam, the Irrigation Division released 31,449 cusecs water in Mutha river. From Mulshi dam, the Division released 20,000 cusecs and 12,620 cusecs from Pavana dam in Mula-Mutha river. In Bund Garden areas, water released was 48,783 cusecs.
