Pune: PCMC Puts Emergency Teams on Alert as IMD Warns of Heavy Rain; Mulshi, Pavana Dam Discharge Increased

Pimpri Chinchwad, 31st July 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has directed all its departments and zonal offices to remain on high alert following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall across Pune district on Friday. The civic body has also appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from waterlogged areas and riverbanks as water releases from Mulshi and Pavana dams have been increased due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.

PCMC Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi has instructed all zonal offices and departments to keep emergency teams, manpower and machinery on standby to respond immediately to any rain-related incidents. Departments have been asked to prepare for possible waterlogging, uprooted trees, fallen branches, drainage failures, traffic disruptions and other emergencies.

The commissioner directed officials to closely monitor flood-prone and low-lying areas, roads vulnerable to waterlogging, drains, bridges and flyovers, and take preventive measures wherever required. The Fire Brigade, Disaster Management, Health, Electricity, Drainage and Engineering departments have also been instructed to maintain round-the-clock coordination and keep rescue equipment, pumping machines and emergency response teams ready.

Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department has increased the discharge from Mulshi dam into the Mula river from 5,200 cusecs to 8,800 cusecs from 1 pm on Friday after the reservoir reached 86.40% of its storage capacity and continued to receive heavy inflows. Officials said the discharge could be revised further depending on rainfall and inflows.

Similarly, Pavana dam, which is now 97% full, is currently releasing 2,120 cusecs into the Pavana river. The discharge is being increased to 3,620 cusecs, with officials warning that it could be raised in phases to as much as 9,000 cusecs if heavy rainfall continues over the catchment area.

Authorities have urged residents, farmers and people living along the Mula and Pavana rivers to immediately remove livestock, agricultural equipment and other materials from the riverbed and shift them to safer locations. Citizens have also been advised not to enter river channels or attempt to cross overflowing streams and drains.

PCMC has appealed to residents to follow weather advisories, avoid venturing out unless necessary, and immediately report incidents such as waterlogging, fallen trees or other emergencies to the municipal control room. Citizens can contact the PCMC control rooms on 020-67331111 or 020-28331111, while emergency assistance from the Fire Department is available on 7030908991.

The civic administration said all departments would remain on alert throughout the rainfall spell and respond promptly to any emergency to ensure uninterrupted essential services and public safety.