Pune and its surrounding areas witnessed heavy rain over the last 24 hours as the annual Wari pilgrimage in Maharashtra began Thursday.
The irrigation department has issued a warning about the release of water from the Jadhavwadi irrigation pond into the Indrayani river, which will cause water levels to rise in the temple towns of Dehu and Alandi in the Pune district. Devotees undertake the palkhi (palanquin) procession to Pandharpur, the temple town in the Solapur district dedicated to Lord Vitthal, from Dehu and Alandi.
The irrigation department has announced that the Jadhavwadi water tank is nearly 97 per cent full, and water will begin to discharge from the tank into the Indrayani river. As the river flows through the temple towns of Dehu, Alandi, and Tulapur, district authorities have warned people to stay away from the riverbed and to ensure that boats are securely tied.
Many devotees, as part of the Wari pilgrimage, have gathered in the temple towns, and people are advised not to venture into the river.