BHOR : Considered a lifeline for the drought-prone regions of Pune and Solapur districts, the Bhatghar Dam reached its full capacity (100%) early Sunday morning at around 4:30 AM. Executive Engineer of the Pune Minor Irrigation Department, Digambar Dubal, confirmed the development. Currently, a total water discharge of 2,615 cusecs is being released into the river basin, which includes 1,615 cusecs via the hydroelectric power generation plant and 1,000 cusecs through the automatic spillway gates. The irrigation department clarified that the volume of water discharge will be adjusted based on the intensity of rainfall.

Key Features and Historical Significance

Built in 1927, this historic dam has a total water storage capacity of 23.75 TMC. It holds the unique distinction of being the only dam in Maharashtra equipped with 45 automatic gates, alongside 36 regular gates. A total of 720 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the dam catchment area so far during this monsoon season. Due to the rising water levels and ongoing discharge, the administration has issued a safety advisory urging all residents living along the riverbanks to remain vigilant.

Extensive Irrigation Coverage Across Three Districts

Under the Nira Canal system, a total of 1,02,576 hectares of agricultural land across Pune, Satara, and Solapur districts benefit from the dam. The Nira Left Canal irrigates 37,070 hectares in Pune district, covering the talukas of Purandar (420 ha), Baramati (13,780 ha), and Indapur (22,870 ha). Meanwhile, the Nira Right Canal benefits 65,506 hectares of agricultural land across Satara and Solapur districts, covering Khandala (106 ha), Phaltan (22,158 ha), Malshiras (32,236 ha), Pandharpur (5,656 ha), and Sangola (2,350 ha) talukas.