Pimpri Chinchwad, 24th July 2026: The irrigation department on Friday began releasing water from the Pavana dam after the reservoir reached 95% of its storage capacity following heavy rainfall in Maval taluka and the catchment area.
An initial discharge of 800 cusecs was released into the Pavana river through the damтАЩs hydroelectric power house from 9 am. Officials said the discharge may be increased in phases to 5,000 cusecs, depending on rainfall and inflow into the reservoir.
With heavy rain continuing in the catchment area, the irrigation department has issued an alert to residents, farmers and businesses along the Pavana river, warning of a possible sudden rise in the riverтАЩs water level.
Authorities have advised people to immediately shift farm equipment, irrigation pumps, vehicles, livestock and other belongings away from the riverbed to safer locations. Citizens have also been urged to avoid entering rivers, streams and nullahs and to strictly follow instructions issued by the administration.
The flood control cell of the Pavana Dam Project said the discharge would be regulated based on rainfall and inflows, and advance intimation would be issued before any further increase in the release.
