Pune, Sep 27 (IANS) The Mutha river canal breached on Thursday, releasing millions of gallons of water into some residential localities of Pune, apart from inundating low-lying areas and sweeping away hundreds of vehicles, officials said.
“There is a breach in the Mutha’s right bank canal near the Dandekar Bridge on the Sinhgad Road. We have mobilised all resources. Will ensure that the accumulated water eases out soon,” said Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Mayor Mukta Tilak.
The 15-metre breach around 11 a.m. caught thousands of people unaware. Homes in Parvati Hill and Janata Vasahat Colony’s vicinity were flooded while pedestrians and motorists were virtually flung aside by the gushing waters. There were, however, no casualties.
People were seen holding onto each other to prevent being swept away. Later, they were seen wading through waist-deep water in some localities.
The Dandekar Bridge was submerged, leaving scores of vehicles stranded on both sides.
Traffic went haywire across the city, with thousands getting stranded at various points while disaster relief authorities worked to control the flood-like situation.
The Mutha river carries water from the Khadakwasla Dam, the main source of drinking water for Pune and the surrounding areas.
The canal banks are built with stones and concrete. At least a 15-metre portion is believed to have been washed away, causing the water to flow into residential areas.
Though the irrigation officials managed to stop the water from the dam to the canal, it was more than three hours before the situation eased in the affected localities.
PMC officials said repair of the breached canal will be taken up on a war footing.
–IANS
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