Early Flood Warning System Implemented for Khadakwasla Dam; Pune Administration Steps Up Monsoon Preparedness
Pune, 26th May 2025: In response to last year’s unexpected flooding on Sinhgad Road due to unannounced water releases from the Khadakwasla Dam, the Pune district administration has rolled out a comprehensive monsoon preparedness strategy, emphasizing timely alerts and infrastructure readiness.
District Collector Jitendra Dudi has directed the Water Resources Department to issue advance warnings at least two hours prior to any dam discharge, ensuring that civic bodies and emergency systems can respond in time. Permanent siren systems are also being installed in flood-prone areas, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will manage public alert dissemination through its control room.
Scientific Flood Mapping for Risk Assessment
In a data-driven initiative, the Water Resources Department has provided the PMC with a flood impact mapping system outlining area-specific flood thresholds:
Bhide Bridge submerges at a particular discharge level.
Ektanagar residents are at risk of home flooding under specific flow conditions.
Thresholds for alert, danger, and disaster levels have been clearly defined.
Department-Wise Action Plan
The district administration has issued detailed directives to multiple departments:
Municipal Corporations, PMRDA, Irrigation, and PWD
Mark blue and red flood lines along riverbanks.
Identify and act on illegal riverbed encroachments.
Issue pre-release alerts before dam water is discharged.
Remove debris from riverbeds for unobstructed water flow.
Keep JCBs and Poklains ready for emergency operations.
Ensure stormwater drains are cleared to prevent urban flooding.
Metro and Traffic Authorities
Clear construction debris from roads and riverbanks.
Deploy traffic marshals in areas vulnerable to congestion.
Maintain close coordination with the police department for traffic and crowd management during heavy rains.
Health Department
Prepare hospitals and ambulances for emergencies.
Stock up on essential medicines, blood, and anti-venom vaccines, anticipating seasonal diseases and snakebite incidents.
Implement a monsoon illness protocol across healthcare facilities.
Review Meeting Set for Early June
A follow-up review meeting has been scheduled in the first week of June, during which each department must present its progress on monsoon preparedness measures.
This multi-agency, proactive approach marks a significant shift toward disaster risk mitigation, aiming to ensure the safety of Pune’s citizens during the upcoming monsoon season.
