Khadakwasla, 18th October 2023: In a startling revelation, a substantial stash of medical supplies was discovered carelessly discarded in the waters of Khadakwasla Dam, a vital source of drinking water for thousands of Pune residents. The incident, which has sparked concerns about water safety, prompted the prompt arrival of officials from the Haveli Police Station and the Irrigation Department. A panchanama, or official record of the scene, is currently underway to document this alarming discovery.
Unearthed at midday today, observant security personnel stationed at the Khadakwasla Dam’s Chowpatty area spotted multiple medicine boxes afloat in the water. Closer examination revealed a disconcerting assortment of items, including injections and small medicine bottles, evidently cast directly into the dam’s waters. Swiftly responding to the discovery, the guards alerted officials from the Irrigation Department, who subsequently informed the local police.
The Irrigation Department has now retrieved the medicine bottles, and as an unfortunate observation, broken glass was noted at the scene. While our attempts to reach out to Executive Engineer Shweta Kurhade of the Irrigation Department and Police Inspector Sachin Wangde of Haveli Police Station for their comments remained unanswered, the incident has triggered pressing questions regarding the dam’s overall security.
An Eye-Opener on Dam Security
This incident, particularly in the Chowpatty area, has unveiled significant security lapses in the dam’s surveillance protocols. It has come to light that there is no night-time security presence in the affected region, where the unfortunate incident unfolded. Although thirteen security guards are stationed at various points during daylight hours, there is a notable absence of nighttime security. This omission raises critical concerns about the dam’s safety, and more importantly, the well-being of Pune’s residents.
A Call for Enhanced Security Measures
The shocking revelation has spurred ongoing discussions concerning the dam’s security, generating resounding calls for the implementation of heightened safety measures. One of the foremost proposals is the deployment of security personnel around the clock, ensuring constant vigilance and immediate responses to any unforeseen incidents.
As discussions evolve and actions are contemplated, this discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding our water sources and strengthening the security of critical infrastructure like Khadakwasla Dam.
