Khadakwasla Dam Reaches 94% Capacity as PMC Issues Public Advisory

Relentless monsoon rainfall has pushed several major reservoirs supplying Pune close to full capacity, prompting authorities to increase controlled water releases and issue public safety advisories. According to data released by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) as of 5 p.m. on July 23, the Khadakwasla Dam has reached 94.08% of its storage capacity, while Pavana Dam stands at 93.10%. Officials have urged residents to remain alert as water levels continue to rise due to persistent rainfall across the catchment areas.

The PMC announced that water discharge from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha river has been increased by 3,825 cusecs, taking the total release to 9,405 cusecs from 9:30 p.m. on July 23. Authorities said the release may be increased or reduced further depending on rainfall intensity and inflow into the reservoir. Residents have been strictly advised not to enter the riverbed and to immediately move livestock, machinery, vehicles, or any other materials to safer locations to prevent potential damage.

Other reservoirs in the Pune region have also recorded significant storage levels following continuous monsoon showers. Mulshi Dam has reached 84.09% of its capacity and has begun controlled water releases at a discharge rate of 8,900 cusecs. Meanwhile, Panshet Dam is at 78.22% capacity, Varasgaon Dam has filled up to 73.06%, and Temghar Dam currently holds 57.93% of its total storage. The steady rise in reservoir levels reflects the strong inflows generated by widespread rainfall across western Maharashtra.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across Pune over the coming days. While the city is expected to receive moderate showers through the weekend before rainfall gradually eases to lighter spells by July 26 and 27, weather conditions in the ghat regions remain far more severe. A red alert has been issued for the Pune Ghats on July 24, with forecasts predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated instances of extremely heavy downpours.

The IMD has also warned that intense rainfall in the ghat sections could be accompanied by strong squally winds ranging from 50 to 60 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 70 kmph. Although rainfall intensity is expected to reduce slightly after July 24, heavy to very heavy showers are likely to continue at isolated locations on July 25, followed by heavy rainfall through July 26 and July 27. Authorities remain on alert as sustained rainfall could further increase reservoir inflows and require additional water releases.

The municipal administration has appealed to citizens to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, dams, and low-lying areas. Residents have also been urged not to circulate or rely on unverified information regarding dam operations or weather conditions. Officials said updates on reservoir levels, water releases, and safety measures will continue to be issued periodically to ensure public awareness and preparedness during the ongoing monsoon season.

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