Union Minister Criticizes Lack of Warning for Pune Floods

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol criticized the failure to inform residents about the water discharge from Khadakwasla Dam, which led to severe flooding in Pune's Sinhgad Road area. Mohol, who inspected flood-hit regions, highlighted a communication gap and urged authorities to prevent such issues in the future.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol criticized the authorities on Friday for failing to provide advance notice about the water discharge from Khadakwasla Dam. The lack of information led to severe flooding in Pune's low-lying Sinhgad Road area as rains wreaked havoc.

The Pune Lok Sabha MP, who flew in from Delhi on Thursday to assess the flood situation, engaged with residents of the flood-stricken Ekta Nagar on Sinhgad Road.

Amid continuous rainfall in the catchment areas, the irrigation department released 35,000 cusecs of water from Khadakwasla Dam, causing significant flooding in Ekta Nagar adjacent to the Mutha River.

Incessant rains have also affected other regions of Pune district, including Velha, Mulshi, and Bhor talukas.

Many homes were inundated, and residents reported property damage worth lakhs, complaining they were not warned about the reservoir's water discharge.

Former Pune mayor Mohol stated that 40,000 to 50,000 cusecs of water were released from Khadakwasla reservoir. He emphasized that such a large release should have been communicated to citizens and civic administration.

Mohol cited a communication gap and called for better coordination between departments in future incidents.

Mohol asserted that a discharge of 35,000 to 40,000 cusecs is unlikely to cause flooding, suggesting more water was released. The district administration was instructed to evaluate the damages and an immediate aid of Rs 5,000 will be provided to affected residents. A comprehensive assessment will follow to determine the exact extent of losses.

(With inputs from agencies.)