Pune, Maharashtra (20 August 2025):
Heavy Rains Lash Pune: 950 Evacuated as Red Alert Issued Across Maharashtra Districts
For the second consecutive day, heavy downpours have lashed Pune, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and a flood alert in low-lying areas around the Mutha River. With rainfall intensifying in catchment areas, authorities released water from the Khadakwasla dam, raising water levels and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of families.
According to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), nearly 950 citizens have been shifted to safe shelters in the last 24 hours.
IMD Issues Red Alert for Maharashtra Districts
The **India Meteorological Department (IMD)** has sounded a **Red Alert** for **Thane, Ghats of Nashik, Pune, and Satara**, predicting extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Weather officials warned of possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions to road and rail networks in the Western Ghats region.
This warning comes at a crucial time when Pune and adjoining districts have already reported **flooding in multiple localities, blocked drains, traffic jams, and power outages**.
Khadakwasla Dam Discharge Raises Alarm
The **Khadakwasla reservoir**, one of the main water sources for Pune city, has been receiving intense inflows due to heavy rains in its catchment areas. On Tuesday, authorities opened its gates, releasing thousands of cusecs of water into the **Mutha River**.
The surge has led to inundation in several riverbank areas. One of the worst affected is the **historic Morya Gosavi Temple** in Pimpri-Chinchwad, which has been submerged in floodwaters, prompting urgent rescue operations for devotees and locals nearby.
950 Citizens Evacuated to Safety
PCMC Commissioner **Shekhar Singh** confirmed that evacuation teams worked **round-the-clock** to relocate families.
“Over the past 24 hours, our teams have relocated nearly 950 citizens from flood-affected and low-lying areas to safe shelters,” Singh wrote in an X post.
At the relief centres, citizens are being provided with:
- Cooked food and dry snacks
- Clean drinking water**
- Backup **electricity supply**
- Healthcare facilities** with doctors on standby
- Sanitation and bedding arrangements
Singh stressed that **no citizen will be left unattended**, and efforts will continue as long as rainfall persists.
Disaster Management in Full Swing
The **disaster management cells** of PCMC have been put on high alert. They are being supported by:
- Fire brigade teams with boats and rafts
- Ambulances and buses for rapid evacuation
- Engineering staff to tackle blocked drains and collapsed roads
- Health teams to respond to emergencies
Apart from rescue, the civic body is focusing on **clearing waterlogging and drainage blockages** in different zones of Pimpri-Chinchwad to prevent further damage.
Multi-Agency Coordination Ensures Preparedness
Highlighting the preparedness, Commissioner Singh said the PCMC is working in **close coordination** with the:
- Irrigation Department** (for dam discharge updates)
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)** (for real-time rainfall predictions)
- C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)** (for rainfall data tracking)
- Traffic police** (for diversions and congestion management)
“This collaboration allows us to track real-time rainfall, dam discharges, and diversions, ensuring timely action. Citizens are also being informed continuously through All India Radio, FM channels, and PCMC’s digital platforms,” Singh assured, adding that the **situation remains under control**.
Citizens’ Concerns and Daily Life Impact
Heavy rains have **paralyzed normal life** across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad:
- Several roads have turned into streams, slowing traffic to a crawl.
- Metro construction zones and underpasses are **severely waterlogged**.
- Schools in the most affected wards have been temporarily closed.
- Residents in riverside slums have lost belongings to rising water levels.
- Local businesses, especially shops near the riverbanks, have faced heavy losses.
Despite the hardship, citizens have appreciated the **swift response of PCMC teams**, many of whom worked overnight to shift families to safety.
Experts Warn of Climate Pattern Shifts
Weather experts say such **intense and erratic rainfall** is becoming more frequent in Pune and adjoining districts. Unplanned urbanization, concretization of riverbeds, and encroachments on natural drainage paths are **worsening the impact of floods**.
Environmentalists have urged the civic body to:
- Increase green cover and wetlands
- Strictly regulate construction in flood-prone zones
- Improve **stormwater drainage networks**
- Enhance **real-time flood monitoring systems**
Political Leaders and Relief Announcements
Local MLAs and MPs visited flood-affected shelters on Wednesday morning, assuring support and compensation. The **Maharashtra state government** has asked district collectors to **submit damage reports** at the earliest.
Relief packages are expected to be announced for affected families, including **cash assistance, household goods, and temporary rehabilitation grants**.
Safety Guidelines for Citizens
Authorities have issued precautionary advisories for residents in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad:
Avoid traveling through **underpasses, low-lying areas, and bridges**.
Do not venture near swollen rivers or dams.
Keep **emergency kits** ready with medicines, torches, dry food, and water.
Stay updated through **IMD bulletins, PCMC alerts, and local media**.
In case of emergency, contact **PCMC helplines** or the **disaster management cell** immediately.
Conclusion: Situation Being Monitored Closely
While Pune continues to reel under the impact of heavy rains, officials assure that **relief operations are in full force**. With continued rainfall predicted, authorities remain on alert. The PCMC, in partnership with multiple agencies, is monitoring the situation 24/7.
As Commissioner Singh summed up:
“Every possible step is being taken to keep residents safe. We request citizens to cooperate, remain cautious, and trust the system.”
For now, Pune stands united — battling the floodwaters with resilience, while hoping for the monsoon fury to subside soon.
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