Pune Soaked: Heavy Rains Fill Dams, Cause Disruptions

Pune’s recent bout of heavy rainfall has put the city on high alert, with intermittent downpours accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashing various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. This wet spell, which is a late-season surge in the monsoon, has caused significant disruptions but has also brought a welcome boost to the region’s water resources.

City and Ghats on High Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for isolated heavy rainfall in the ghat areas of Pune and its vicinity. While the main city has experienced on-and-off showers, some areas have seen more significant precipitation. For instance, Chinchwad recorded 69mm of rain between Saturday morning and Sunday evening, making it one of the wettest spots. Other areas, like Hadapsar and Talegaon, also received notable rainfall, though amounts were lower.

The current weather conditions are primarily influenced by a low-pressure system over north Telangana and the Vidarbha region, which is extending into parts of south Madhya Maharashtra. This system is expected to sustain rainfall activity across a large swathe of the state, including Pune, for the next few days. The IMD has also sounded a yellow alert until September 18 for isolated parts of Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha.

Impact on Life and Water Levels

The heavy rains have led to the predictable challenges of monsoon season in Pune. Waterlogging and traffic congestion have been reported in various low-lying areas, making the morning and evening commutes a challenge for residents. Some private schools in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad even declared a holiday on Monday as a precaution, though no official order was issued by the district administration. Commuters are advised to factor in extra travel time and exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding.

However, the rainfall has brought a significant and much-needed relief to the city’s water supply. The catchment areas of the dams that serve Pune have received a good amount of rain. The dams of Varasgaon and Panshet in particular have recorded good showers. This has brought the total storage of the four reservoirs that supply water to Pune to nearly 100% of their total capacity, which is a crucial development for ensuring water security in the coming months. This is a positive outcome of the intense weather, helping to replenish the city’s lifelines.