The city of Nashik and its surrounding talukas have been placed on high alert following the release of 1,500 cusecs of water from the Gangapur Dam, as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash large parts of the district. With the Godavari River already swollen due to consistent rainfall over the past several days, authorities fear a heightened risk of localised flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas.
The water release, carried out by the Water Resources Department early on Friday, was necessitated by rapidly rising inflows into the Gangapur Dam reservoir. Officials confirmed that the discharge rate could be revised further depending on the volume of rainfall received upstream in the coming hours. Nashik’s Disaster Management Cell, in collaboration with the municipal corporation, has issued a cautionary advisory urging people living close to the riverbanks to relocate to safer ground if required and to avoid entering or venturing near river channels.
In multiple locations across Nashik district, including Peth, Surgana, and Trimbakeshwar, rivers such as Nar and Par have already breached their banks, flooding fields and rural roads. Several villages in these areas have been temporarily cut off due to rising water levels and road submersions, prompting emergency action from local gram panchayats and tehsildars. Public transport services have also been disrupted on certain internal routes as safety protocols are implemented.
According to district officials, the Gangapur Dam release is part of a wider and systematic water regulation strategy designed to avoid dam overflow and ensure safe downstream water levels. In parallel, water has also been discharged from other regional dams including Darna, Punad, and Nandur Madhyameshwar, putting additional hydrological pressure on the Godavari basin.
Authorities are closely monitoring the river’s behaviour within Nashik city, where water levels began rising noticeably on Thursday. Special response teams have been deployed along the Godavari’s embankments, particularly near crowded neighbourhoods and heritage zones, to ensure timely intervention in case of sudden surges. Continuous monitoring through control rooms, drone surveillance, and civic coordination is currently underway to assess flood line progression and make prompt decisions on rescue or relief operations if required.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall in Nashik and adjoining regions for at least the next 48 hours. This meteorological outlook, combined with active dam discharges, has intensified efforts by the district administration to remain on standby with evacuation equipment, temporary shelters, and medical teams, especially in flood-prone pockets.
Environmental experts observing the developments in Nashik have called attention to the increasing volatility of the monsoon and its implications for urban and rural water management. They underscore the urgency of investing in flood-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and better coordination between weather forecasting agencies and local governance bodies. In a changing climate, cities like Nashik—criss-crossed by rivers and reliant on multi-reservoir systems—must develop long-term strategies that balance flood control with sustainable urban planning.
Citizens have been asked to remain calm but cautious and to follow instructions issued through official channels. The municipal corporation has also appealed to the public not to spread misinformation or panic, as the situation remains under control but subject to rapid changes depending on rainfall intensity.
While no major incidents have been reported as of now, the water release from Gangapur Dam is a reminder of the city’s hydrological sensitivity during peak monsoon. The response of civic bodies and public cooperation in the coming days will be critical in ensuring safety and minimising disruptions across Nashik.
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