Pune has been grappling with intense monsoon activity in June 2025, leading to significant impacts on water levels, infrastructure, and daily life.
Rainfall and Waterlogging
Heavy Rainfall: Pune has experienced heavy monsoon showers, with Lonavala recording 252 mm of rainfall in just two days (June 15–16, 2025), including 109 mm in 24 hours on June 16. Shivajinagar recorded the season’s highest rainfall of 55 mm on June 13, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
Affected Areas: Severe waterlogging has been reported in Bhosari, Hinjewadi, Shivajinagar, Kothrud, Viman Nagar, Punawale, and Kondhwa, turning streets into streams and causing traffic chaos. The Punawale bridge underpass and Badri Vishal Society were notably impacted.
IMD Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Pune and its ghat areas, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall through June 17, 2025. Light to moderate rain is expected to continue until at least June 19. A red alert was issued for nearby Raigad district, indicating extreme weather risks.
Impact on Water Supply
- Dam Levels: The heavy rainfall has boosted water levels in Pune’s key dams (Khadakwasla, Temghar, Panshet, and Varasgaon), which supply the city. As of June 15, 2025, these dams collectively held 5.25 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, compared to 3.85 TMC the previous year. Khadakwasla alone received 35 mm of rain on June 12–13, with other dams recording over 30 mm each.
- Bhushi Dam Overflow: In Lonavala, the Bhushi Dam began overflowing 15 days earlier than usual due to intense rainfall (900 mm year-to-date in 2025 vs. 310 mm in 2024), attracting tourists but prompting safety restrictions.
- Relief from Water Shortages: Pre-monsoon rains in May reduced water-related complaints and tanker demand by 15%, easing pressure on civic infrastructure after a heatwave-driven surge in March–April.
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
- Kundmala Bridge Collapse: On June 15, 2025, the collapse of a pedestrian bridge over the Indrayani River in Maval, near Kundamala village, killed four people and injured 51, with heavy rains and structural rust cited as causes. The bridge was overcrowded with 100–125 tourists, despite warnings.
- Waterborne Diseases: Unseasonal May rains led to a spike in waterborne illnesses, with 5,617 cases reported from January to May 2025, including 4,292 cases of acute diarrhoea. Contaminated water supply due to rainfall seeping into pipelines is a key factor, prompting health advisories to avoid open water sources.
- Traffic and Civic Issues: Waterlogging in areas like Hinjewadi’s IT Park has exposed drainage lapses, with commuters facing 2–3 km traffic jams. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is monitoring water usage to prevent wastage, particularly for non-drinking purposes.
Safety Measures and Advisories
- Prohibitory Orders: The Pune District Administration has restricted access to waterbodies and waterfalls, including Bhushi Dam, due to safety risks.
- IMD Recommendations: Residents are advised to carry umbrellas, avoid slippery roads, and stay indoors during thunderstorms. The PMC and IMD urge caution in low-lying and ghat areas.
- Government Response: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh aid for families of bridge collapse victims, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar described the rainfall as “unprecedented.” Two NDRF teams were deployed, and a statewide bridge audit was ordered.
Forecast
The IMD predicts continued light to moderate rain in Pune until June 19, 2025, with a possible decrease by the weekend. Ghat areas may see heavier showers, and tourists are urged to avoid restricted zones.
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