High alert sounded in Pune after release of water from Khadwasla dam

A high alert was sounded in parts of Pune after incessant rain forced the irrigation department to release water from an overflowing Khadakwasla dam yesterday. 

Normal life in the city was affected due to continuous, but moderate, showers throughout the day. Water-logging and damaged roads resulted in massive traffic jams, and attendance in schools and offices fell considerably as Puneites preferred to stay in their



houses.

Catchment area of four dams in the Khadakwasla chain, Panshet, Varasgaon, Khadakwasla and Temghar received heavy rainfall. Water increased by more than three thousand million cubic feet in a single day. 

Continuous addition of water in dam forced irrigation officials to discharge water from the dam, said Khadakwasla executive engineer Pandurang Shelar. The discharge of water was gradual to give people time to evacuate.