Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 29: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reviewed the ongoing flood situation across the state, particularly in Marathwada, following days of heavy rainfall and high-volume water discharges from key dams. With water levels surging across several regions, the Chief Minister directed all District Collectors to remain on high alert and ready with relief and rescue operations.
Taking to social media platform X, Fadnavis confirmed that 1.88 lakh cusecs of water is currently being discharged from Jayakwadi Dam, but assured that no increase is required at present as rainfall has subsided. The released water is expected to reach Nanded by 8 PM. Controlled discharges are also taking place from other dams: 29,400 cusecs from Yeldari, 75,000 from Ujjani, and 80,000 from Sina Kolegaon. The Manjara and Terna rivers, which previously saw flood conditions, have now receded.
In response to the rising waters, nearly 10,000 people from villages in Jalna district have been relocated, with 6,870 residents now sheltered in temporary relief centres set up in schools and community spaces across Partur, Ambad, and Ghanasawangi. The government is providing food and essential services at 23 designated locations, and has also ensured livestock relocation and fodder supply for affected farmers.
Fadnavis also provided updates on dam releases in Nashik and Ahmednagar, where Jayakwadi’s discharge into local reservoirs has been reduced from 87,000 to 68,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, 11,000 cusecs is being discharged from Gangapur Dam, and 10,000 cusecs from Mula Dam. In Jalgaon, 54,500 cusecs is being released from Girna Dam, and 65,800 cusecs from Hatnur Dam. Encouragingly, all rivers in Konkan are currently below the warning level.
Despite improving dam conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for North Konkan and Ghat areas, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Nashik, and Pune. A yellow alert is in place for Dhule, Nandurbar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ahilyanagar, warning of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms.
The agriculture sector has taken a hard hit, particularly in Jafrabad taluka of Jalna district, where kharif crops and sugarcane plantations have suffered significant damage. Officials estimate that 90 acres of sugarcane across Devlegavhan and neighbouring villages have been ruined due to flash flooding over the weekend. With rainfall patterns becoming increasingly erratic, farmers' concerns have intensified as losses mount.
Sources have also warned of another heavy rain system forming over the Bay of Bengal, with October 6 to 8 likely to see renewed downpours across parts of Maharashtra. The state administration has begun assessment of crop and property damage, and further support measures are expected to be announced as the situation unfolds.