Heavy Rains and Dam Discharges Cause Flooding and Infrastructure Damage in Maharashtra

Heavy rainfall in Maharashtra has led to significant flooding and increased water discharge from reservoirs. In the Palghar district, the Surya river overflowed after the gates of the Dhamni dam were opened to discharge water, resulting in 23 deaths in July. A preliminary damage assessment report by the district administration indicated that 15,802 homes were inundated, with estimated losses to public infrastructure and private property totaling Rs 180 crore. Residents in Dahanu reported that they received no warning before the dam gates were opened, leading to the destruction of homes, crops, and livestock.

Meanwhile, water discharge from Maharashtra increased slightly on August 2 following continued rains in Maharashtra and Belagavi. Discharge reached approximately 1,23,238 cusecs, which was 704 cusecs higher than the previous day. In northern Karnataka, the total water impounded in six major reservoirs is around 60 percent of full capacity. Inflow into the Almatti, Bhadra, Tungabhadra, and Ghataprabha dams has increased, while the Malaprabha and Narayanapura dams recorded marginal declines in inflow.