Heavy Rains Bring Rising River Levels in Maharashtra

Heavy rains in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, have raised the Panchganga river to just below the danger mark. The Radhanagari dam is nearly full, with significant releases ongoing. Increased inflows from the Krishna river are also leading to higher outflows. Pune's Khadakwasla dam is releasing water, and authorities have issued an orange alert.

In Kolhapur district, heavy rainfall has caused the Panchganga river to rise to just a few inches below the danger mark, officials reported on Wednesday. At 10 am, the water level at Rajaram weir was recorded at 42.2 feet, only 8 inches shy of the 43-feet danger threshold.

In the same district, the Radhanagari dam's water level has reached 92 percent capacity. The dam, which holds 7.71 TMC of water, is releasing water at a rate of 1,500 cusecs, according to a district official. A total of 81 barrages in the district are now submerged due to significant rainfall.

Adequate rainfall in the Krishna river catchment area has increased the inflow into the Almatti dam in north Karnataka. Consequently, the outflow from Almatti is being escalated from 1,70,000 cusecs to 2,00,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, in Pune district, the Khadakwasla dam is releasing water at a rate of 9,400 cusecs due to heavy rains in catchment areas. Residents of low-lying areas have been cautioned to stay alert. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the 'ghat' sections in Pune, indicating potential severe weather.

(With inputs from agencies.)