Pune witnessed intense rainfall this week, prompting large-scale water discharges from major dams across the district. The release of excess water has put riverside areas on high alert, as civic and irrigation authorities warned of possible flooding in low-lying parts of the city.
Officials confirmed that water from the Khadakwasla dam was released at 15,000 cusecs, one of the highest discharge rates recorded in recent weeks. Similar releases were carried out from Panshet, Varasgaon, Mulshi, Temghar, and Pavana dams, as their catchment areas received relentless rainfall. The increased water flow has caused a sharp rise in the levels of the Mutha river, forcing the closure of riverside roads as a precautionary step. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) announced safety advisories urging residents in flood-prone zones to remain alert and relocate to safer areas if necessary. Emergency response teams have been stationed along riverbanks including the Mula, Mutha, Pavana, and Indrayani, which flow through Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The administration has also warned that if rainfall persists in dam catchments, further water discharges could be required, potentially compounding the flood threat.
The impact of the rainfall was already visible across the city. Waterlogging brought traffic to a standstill on arterial roads such as Sinhagad Road, Nagar Road, SPPU Chowk, and the Sangamwadi stretch. Long traffic jams were reported on the Katraj–Dehuroad bypass and parts of Chakan, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Civic teams worked through the night to drain waterlogged junctions, but intermittent heavy showers have slowed down relief measures. Experts stressed that Pune’s drainage and traffic management systems are under immense pressure each monsoon, highlighting the need for long-term sustainable solutions. With urban growth outpacing infrastructure upgrades, the city remains vulnerable to flooding and severe traffic disruptions every rainy season. Authorities are now emphasising the importance of eco-sensitive urban planning, climate-resilient drainage, and sustainable water management to reduce dependency on last-minute emergency responses.
While immediate measures are focused on citizen safety and water regulation, officials noted that a coordinated approach between the irrigation department, disaster management teams, and civic bodies will be crucial to avoid a repeat of last year’s flooding incidents. For now, residents living near rivers and low-lying neighbourhoods have been urged to follow official alerts and avoid travel unless necessary.
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