PIMPRI: Due to the continuous rain, the water level in the catchment area of Pavana dam is increasing and water is being released into Mula river. The civic body is taking all precautionary measures to ensure that an emergency situation does not arise and Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh had advised people staying on the river banks to be alert.
Pavana dam is currently filled up to 89.82 per cent of its capacity. The civic administration has received instructions that water may be released near Mulshi dam in a controlled manner. The civic chief has also instructed the civic administration to keep all mechanisms ready.
The reservoir stock of Mulshi dam is 84 per cent and the capacity of the remaining reservoir is 90 million cubic metres. Although the situation is under control at present, today at 1pm, the water will be released in a controlled manner in Mula river. Hence, people staying near the riverbank should be alert, according to instructions given by the head of Mulshi dam.
Mula river flows in Pimpri Chinchwad near Dapodi. The Joint Commissioner of the Disaster Management Department, Chandrakant Indalkar, has issued an appeal that people staying close to the river bank should be alert. There can be changes in the release of water and hence, no one should enter the riverbed. If anyone has kept some items or tied animals on the river bed, they should take them away. Disaster Management official Omprakash Bahiwal said, “All departments including Disaster Management, Fire Brigade, ward offices have kept their mechanism ready. The civic body has decided to take necessary action in flood-hit areas with the help of the police. We are coordinating with heads of Pavna, Mula and Indrayani dams, IMD, NDRF, Army. Relief camps have been set up at civic schools in flood-hit areas. The PCMC will ensure cleanliness and provide health and food facilities.”
In emergency situations, considering the possibility of water entering houses of people, special teams have been set up to move people to safety. Residents should avoid coming in contact with electricity cables, electricity poles, DP box, feeder box etc and should not tie animals near these places or leave them there. In industrial areas, chemicals should not be stored in an open area. If these things come in contact with water, it may lead to accidents and citizens should take precautions, Bahiwal has appealed.
