Pune: Guards to prevent people from going into water at dams

PUNE: Security guards would be posted soon at the Khadakwasla, Panshet and Varasgaon dams to prevent people from entering the water.
The guards will work in three shifts, keep a watch on the vulnerable spots and help the irrigation department officials in daily work at the dam sites. At least 10 guards would be appointed at each dam.
The irrigation department said it was also planning to approach local police stations to appoint teams of police officers at the dam sites.
The three dams — a part of the Khadakwasla irrigation circle — are located within 50km from the city. Many people visit these reservoirs during the monsoon, but entering the water is not allowed.
Sources in the irrigation department said the footfall had been comparatively less this year because of the pandemic restrictions, but instances of overcrowding could not be ruled out in future if the norms were relaxed.
“We have a limited number of staff strength. It is difficult to deploy all the staffers at the dam sites. Some employees have retired and the vacant posts are yet to be filled. Considering all these aspects, a decision was taken to appoint an agency to increase security at the dams. The guards are being given basic training. There is a plan to set up chowkis (booths) at the dams for these guards,” an official from the irrigation department said.
The irrigation department said it would replicate the deployment of guards at more dams if the new system worked effectively at Panshet, Khadakwasla and Varasgaon.
The irrigation department had initiated steps to construct a wall at some spots along the Khadakwasla dam to prevent people from entering the water.
Subhash Jadhav, a regular commuter on the Khadakwasla Road, said, “People do not bother about the rules and enter the water without any safety measures. The police and the irrigation department have put up boards appealing people to refrain from entering the water. The authorities should not allow parking of vehicles on the road along the dam”.
An officials from the irrigation department said the presence of guards and police would deter people from entering the water.
On Tuesday, the water stock in Khadakwasla was 35%, Panshet had 39% and Varasgaon was 24% full. The collective stock of the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle, including Temghar, was at 8.68 TMC (29%).