CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A red alert has been issued in Pune on Thursday after heavy rains brought life to a standstill. Besides Pune city, Velha, Mulshi and Bhor talukas also received heavy showers as authorities began evacuating people from low-lying areas. Four persons lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Pune.
The incessant rains lashing the Khadakwasla dam’s catchment area also caused the release of water from the reservoir. “As the catchment areas of Khadakwasla dam have been witnessing incessant rains, water is being released at over 35,000 cusecs and it will further increase to 45,000 cusecs. Due to the water discharge, several low-lying areas along the Mutha River witnessed inundation and flooding,” Pune district collector Suhas Diwase said.
Authorities have also declared a holiday for schools and colleges in most parts of the district in view of the heavy rainfall warning. Schools won’t function in the ‘ghat’ (mountain pass) sections of Khed, Junnar, Ambegaon, Velha, Mulshi, Maval, Bhor, Haveli talukas and Pimpri Chinchwad as well.
The district administration has also deployed rescue teams in case of an emergency. The fire brigade and disaster management cell of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are engaged in evacuation operations, especially in the housing societies in low-lying areas, such as Sinhagad Road, Bavdhan, Baner and Deccan Gymkhana.