The state irrigation department has issued a crucial advisory urging citizens to refrain from approaching dam sites and rivers due to rising water levels. With storage in many dams crossing 80%, the discharge of water from reservoirs is expected to increase, making these areas potentially hazardous.
Recently, the irrigation department took action against individuals who ventured too close to the Khadakwasla dam. Warning boards have been strategically placed at vulnerable points along the dam, cautioning the public against entering the water for photography or video shooting as it poses significant risks.
The authorities plan to implement similar actions at other dams surrounding the city, such as Panshet and Pavana, to ensure the safety of the public.
A significant number of dams are situated in hilly regions that have experienced continuous spells of rainfall over the last two weeks. This prolonged rainfall may have loosened the mud, rocks, and boulders, making these areas highly unpredictable and hazardous. The irrigation department advises people to avoid entering these areas to prevent any accidents or mishaps.
Furthermore, the irrigation department has issued alerts to local administrations along rivers, urging them to relocate residents and cattle sheds from vulnerable areas to safer locations. As the water levels in dams continue to rise, the department issued a fresh alert on Friday about the possibility of water release from the Andra dam as the live storage capacity crossed 85%.
On Friday, the irrigation department already released water from three dams in the Bhima basin, including the Khadakwasla dam. The discharge from Khadakwasla dam was increased to 4,200 cusecs on Thursday night and then maintained at 3,400 cusecs on Friday morning, before eventually stopping in the afternoon.
An official emphasized that the discharge may resume if the intensity of rain in the dam’s catchment areas increases. Currently, the Khadakwasla dam stands at 98% full, and while the water discharge in the Mutha river was stopped on Friday, the dam continued to release water in the canal at a rate of 1,000 cusecs.
With monsoon rains in full swing and water levels rising rapidly, it is crucial for the public to heed the advisory and avoid venturing close to dam sites and rivers. The safety of citizens is of paramount importance, and adhering to these precautions will help prevent any unfortunate incidents during this monsoon season.
