Pune district has been placed under a red alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continuous heavy rainfall until 21 August. The ghat sections, in particular, have been warned of intense showers, raising concerns over flooding and dam safety in the region.
Officials have confirmed that water discharge has begun from major dams including Khadakwasla, Varasgaon, Panshet, Pavana, Mulshi and Temghar to prevent overflow. At Khadakwasla, discharge touched 15,000 cusecs, prompting alerts in low-lying areas. Varasgaon released 8,000 cusecs, while Panshet reported 7,000 cusecs. This has placed thousands of residents in vulnerable zones at risk of inundation, and authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors unless travel is unavoidable. The sustained downpour has already left parts of Pune city waterlogged. Long traffic snarls were reported across Sinhgad Road, SPPU Chowk, Canal Road and Nagar Road, with commuters facing hours-long delays. Police officials have reiterated that citizens should avoid stepping out and dial emergency helplines in case of urgent need.
Beyond the city, the IMD has also placed nearby districts including Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg under an orange alert. While Central Maharashtra may see reduced rainfall, the Konkan belt and Western Ghats continue to face heavy showers. Experts warn that unchecked urbanisation, shrinking green cover and choked drainage systems in Pune are worsening the impact of monsoon downpours. Environmental analysts highlight that the city’s flood-prone areas have seen little long-term resilience planning. Large-scale concrete expansion has replaced natural water channels, leaving stormwater with no escape routes. With repeated episodes of waterlogging, citizens are demanding structural interventions such as rejuvenation of riversides, sustainable urban drainage systems, and green infrastructure that can absorb excess water.
Officials, however, maintain that all necessary measures are being taken. Emergency response teams are stationed in vulnerable pockets, and alerts are being issued regularly to ensure people’s safety. Relief is expected after 21 August, when rainfall is likely to ease. The red alert in Pune underlines the growing urgency of climate resilience in Indian cities. Experts argue that while short-term measures like dam discharge and police advisories are essential, long-term investment in sustainable infrastructure, equitable urban planning, and zero-carbon flood management systems will be the only shield against the intensifying monsoon crises of the future.
Also Read: Pune Sees Second-Highest Single-Day Rainfall Of Season On August 19, Disrupting City
