Pune: PCMC Asks Residents Along Pavana, Indrayani Riverbanks to Remain Alert as Dam Discharge Rises

Pimpri Chinchwad, 24th July 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Friday appealed to residents living along the Pavana and Indrayani riverbanks to remain alert as continuous rainfall in the city and dam catchment areas, coupled with increased water releases from reservoirs, has led to a rise in river water levels.

The civic body said all emergency response agencies have been placed on alert to deal with any rain-related situation.

According to PCMC, steady rainfall over the past several hours has increased water levels in the Pavana, Mula and Indrayani rivers. The Pavana dam is currently around 97% full and is receiving heavy inflows from its catchment area. To regulate the reservoir level, the irrigation department increased the discharge into the Pavana river from 5,600 cusecs to 7,000 cusecs at 8 pm on Friday.

Officials from the Pavana dam flood control cell said the discharge would depend on rainfall intensity and inflows into the reservoir, and could be increased in phases to 9,000 cusecs if required.

PCMC has directed all departments to remain on high alert. The administration has instructed officials to keep rapid response teams deployed round the clock along riverbanks, coordinate with local public representatives and residents, and ensure immediate action in case evacuation becomes necessary.

The civic body said arrangements have been made to provide food, medical assistance and other essential facilities if residents living along the Pavana and Indrayani rivers have to be shifted to safer locations. Emergency teams, along with necessary rescue equipment and machinery, have also been kept ready.

Mayor Ravi Landge and municipal commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi are monitoring the situation, the civic body said. Citizens requiring emergency assistance have been asked to contact the PCMC control room on 020-67331111 or 020-28331111, or the fire department helpline at 7030908991.

The Pavana dam flood control cell also appealed to residents and farmers in the Pavana river basin to remain vigilant, as continued rainfall could cause a sudden rise in water levels in rivers, streams and nullahs, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. Farmers have been advised to shift agricultural equipment, pumps, stored materials and livestock to safer places and to follow only official advisories instead of rumours.

Mayor Ravi Landge urged citizens not to take unnecessary risks and to strictly follow instructions issued by the administration. “The safety of citizens is the municipal corporation’s top priority. People should avoid believing rumours and cooperate with authorities if evacuation becomes necessary,” he said.

Municipal commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi said all concerned departments have been instructed to remain vigilant and adequate manpower, machinery and rescue teams have been deployed. He also advised citizens to avoid entering riverbeds or other vulnerable areas near rivers and to contact the civic control room immediately in case of any emergency.