Pune: Pavana Dam 97% Full; Water Discharge to Rise, Flood Alert Issued for Low-Lying Areas

Pimpri-Chinchwad, 29th July 2026: With the Pavana Dam reaching 97% of its storage capacity, the water discharge into the Pavana river is set to be increased from the existing 1,400 cusecs to 2,100 cusecs, the Khadakwasla Irrigation Division said in an alert issued on Wednesday evening.

The warning was issued at 8 pm on July 29 by the flood control room of the Pavana Dam Project at Pavan Nagar.

According to the irrigation department, rainfall is continuing in the dam’s catchment area and the ghat sections, resulting in fluctuations in the inflow into the reservoir. The discharge into the Pavana river will be increased to regulate the dam’s water level.

Officials have warned that depending on rainfall and inflow conditions, the discharge could be gradually increased up to 5,000 cusecs.

Information regarding any further increase in discharge will be communicated by the Water Resources Department at the time of release.

The department has cautioned residents, farmers and other beneficiaries living along the Pavana river basin that continuous rainfall could lead to a sudden rise in water levels in streams, drains and the river. Flooding cannot be ruled out in low-lying areas along the river.

Authorities have advised residents to move agricultural equipment, farm pumps, other belongings and livestock from the riverbed and nearby vulnerable areas to safer locations.

The irrigation department has also urged citizens not to believe or spread rumours and to follow instructions issued by the administration from time to time. Residents have been asked to cooperate with the taluka, district and city administrations during the situation.

The alert has been issued to all residents, farmers and other stakeholders along the Pavana river basin as a precautionary measure.