07 July,2026 02:10 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
According to officials, the discharge of 500 cusecs of water from the new Mutha canal began at 12 pm on July 7. Pic/Screengrab
The Pune district administration on Tuesday announced that water release from the new Mutha canal of Khadakwasla Dam has started following heavy rainfall in the catchment area.
According to officials, the discharge of 500 cusecs of water from the new Mutha canal began at 12 pm on July 7. Authorities have urged residents to avoid entering the riverbed and remain cautious due to the possibility of rising water levels.
"Today, at 12 PM on July 7, the release of 500 cusecs has been started from the new Mutha canal of Khadakwasla Dam. Citizens should not enter the riverbed. Take precautions," the Pune district administration said in a post on X.
The administration said heavy rainfall in the Khadakwasla Dam catchment area has increased water levels in the reservoir.
Officials said the dam has reached 62 per cent of its total storage capacity and further decisions regarding water discharge will depend on the rainfall situation.
Authorities are closely monitoring the reservoir level and said water could also be released through the dam's spillway if heavy rainfall continues in the coming hours.
"Heavy rainfall is occurring in the catchment area of Khadakwasla Dam, with the reservoir filled to 62 per cent of its capacity. Depending on the rainfall situation, there is a strong possibility of starting water discharge from the dam's spillway. Citizens should not venture into the riverbed and should take precautions," the Pune district administration said in another post on X.
Officials have appealed to people living in low-lying areas and near the river to remain alert and follow safety instructions issued by the administration.
Residents have been advised not to go close to the riverbed as sudden changes in water flow may occur depending on rainfall and dam discharge.
The advisory comes as several parts of Maharashtra continue to witness intense rainfall, leading to flooding, landslides and disruptions.
Over the past two days, torrential rainfall accompanied by strong winds has affected several districts of Maharashtra, leaving 13 people dead and 10 others injured.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), nearly 100 houses have been damaged due to rain-related incidents, forcing several families to leave their homes.
Rainfall data showed the intensity of the downpour across coastal and western Maharashtra. Lonavala recorded 625 mm of rainfall in 48 hours, while Raigad received 236 mm in 24 hours.
Thane recorded 161 mm, Ratnagiri received 152 mm, Palghar reported an average of 132 mm, and parts of Mumbai recorded between 100 mm and 161 mm rainfall.
Continuous rainfall has caused several rivers and water bodies across Maharashtra to rise rapidly.
Officials said the Ulhas, Kalu and Pinjal rivers have crossed warning levels, while the Amba, Savitri, Kundalika, Patalganga, Jagbudi and Ulhas rivers have breached danger marks.
Flood alerts have been issued for Badlapur, Mohane and Jambhulpada as authorities continue to monitor rainfall and water levels across affected regions.
