Heavy Rain Fills Pawana Dam to 98%; Six Gates Opened to Release 7,000 Cusecs of Water into Pawana River
MAVAL – Irrigation department officials opened six spillway gates of Pawana Dam to discharge around 7,000 cusecs of water into the Pawana River, following continuous heavy rainfall across the Maval and Lonavala catchment areas over the past several days.
The key reservoir, which supplies drinking water to Pimpri-Chinchwad, has reached nearly 98% of its total capacity. To prevent waterlogging and maintain safe storage thresholds, authorities initiated a controlled release.
Exclusive drone footage from the site shows massive, foaming currents cascading through the floodgates against the backdrop of the Sahyadri hills. The sheer volume of the release has drawn visual interest locally, transforming the spillway into a notable monsoon landmark.
Pawan Dam fills to 98% Capacity, assuring the residents of Pimpri Chinchwad an year's worth of drinking water.
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) July 25, 2026
Six gates opened to release 7000 cusecs of water through the spillway into Pawana river.
Those living near the riverbanks should remain vigilant and avoid going near… pic.twitter.com/CVOhT9UwWL
Flood Warning Issued for Downstream Areas
With the river discharge underway, local authorities have put residents living along low-lying riverbanks on high alert. Officials warn that water levels in the Pavana River could rise rapidly and have cautioned people against venturing near the banks or attempting to cross flooded stretches.
Water Security Secured for Pimpri-Chinchwad
The rapid inflow brings significant relief to Pimpri-Chinchwad’s urban population. With over 30 lakh residents depending on Pawana Dam for daily domestic supply, the near-full reservoir guarantees water availability through the coming months and eliminates short-term scarcity risks.
Irrigation officials continue to monitor rainfall trends in the upper catchment and will adjust discharge rates based on incoming flow.
Jayant Mahajan is a writer and contributor at PuneNow, covering the intersection of technology, climate action, and urban governance across Pune. With an extensive background in business management, digital transformation, and academia, Jayant brings real-world insight to local sustainability issues, from civic infrastructure to smart city data ethics. As an educator and founder of the Change Before Climate Change mission, he focuses on how Pune’s institutions and businesses can build future-ready, sustainable systems. Through his columns, Jayant bridges policy, technology, and practical action to help Punekars navigate a rapidly changing urban climate.
