Ujjani Dam Releases 81,000 Cusecs; Veer Dam Releases 63,323 Cusecs

Due to rainfall in the catchment area of the Ujjani Dam, water is being discharged at the rate of 81,000 cusecs from Ujjani Dam and 63,323 cusecs from Veer Dam. The combined discharge currently stands at 1,43,323 cusecs.

The water released from Veer Dam into the Nira river merges with the Bhima river at Nira Narsingpur (Sangam). This is likely to create flood-like conditions along the banks of the Nira and Bhima rivers. Sub-Divisional Officer Sachin Ithape has appealed to residents living along these riverbanks to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

Since the discharges from Ujjani Dam and the Nira river will reach the Bhima river simultaneously, water levels are expected to rise, potentially crossing danger marks. In view of this, the following instructions have been issued:

Talathis and Circle Officers must immediately issue flood alerts to low-lying villages, hamlets and settlements along the Bhima river, as well as to residents living along the Chandrabhaga riverbank in Pandharpur city.
Livestock and electric pumps in the riverbed must be moved to safer locations. Public announcements should be made at the village level through traditional drumming (doundi).
The police administration must enforce a ban on entry into the riverbed and ghats. Warkari devotees in the sandbank (Valvant) areas should be shifted away from the riverbed. Patrolling should be intensified and barricading put up wherever required.
The Irrigation Department must provide hourly updates on water levels and dam discharges to the control room.
The Health Department must keep emergency medical teams and ambulances ready at riverbank sub-centres, along with adequate stocks of medicines.
The electricity distribution company must inspect power lines and transformers near the riverbanks and disconnect supply if necessary.
Municipal administrations must check drinking water sources and drainage pumps in low-lying areas, keep temporary shelters ready, and arrange boats and life-saving equipment for emergencies.
The control room must function round-the-clock. Ghats and access points to the riverbed should remain closed. Traffic on bridges and along the riverbanks should be diverted as required for safety.

Citizens are strongly advised not to enter the riverbed as water levels in the Bhima river are continuously rising. All departments have been directed to exercise full caution and take necessary measures for flood control and public safety.