25 trapped in water released from Khadakwasla dam rescue

The incident took place around 2 pm in the area between the Khadakwasla dam on Mutha river and the nearest bridge.

Local police officials said that at least 400 women, men and children had gathered for the traditional ritual in which cl

othes and bedsheets from the house are washed in the river and are dried in the sunlight towards the end of Pitru Paksha observance which is followed by the Navratri festivities.

“Irrigation Department had issued an advanced warning that water would be released from the Khadakwasla dam in the afternoon. Police teams had also directed the villagers not to enter the riverbed. In spite of that a large number of villagers had gathered since the morning to wash clothes. In the afternoon, the irrigation department sounded an alarm and water was released,” said an officer from Uttamnagar police station.

“As the water level rose, at least 25 people were trapped on the rocks in the stream. As these people raised the alarm, local villagers and police teams rushed to the spot. The fire brigade was also informed. Before fire brigade personnel arrived, the local villagers and police teams rescued around 20 of those who were trapped. Remaining five were rescued by the fire brigade personnel,” the officer added.