Flood threat subsides in Nashik; water level in Godavari river drops

Nashik: Water level in the swollen Godavari river began to drop as the heavy rainfall, which lashed Nashik district for past three days, subsided on Wednesday, bringing much- needed relief to the people and the district administration.

Besides Godavari, which flows through the city, water levels in many rivulets - which too were in spate - have started coming down, said an official release.

Due to the swollen Godavari and streams, many areas in the district were inundated and the ancient temples on the banks of the river were submerged.

An NDRF team, headed by an assistant commandant, rescued a total of 72 people trapped in flood at Karanjgaon and Chandori villages today, according to the release.

Five people have been washed away in the district due to flash floods since Monday, according to the administration.

State Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan visited Victoria bridge on Godavari river here to supervise flood situation earlier today.

Nashik Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Abhishek Krishna, visited flood-affected areas at Dahipul, Saraf Bazaar, Bohorpatti in Old Nashik.

Last evening, panic gripped citizens as Godavari crossed the danger mark. The situation compounded after authorities opened gates of Gangapur dam near the city to release the excess water, causing water-logging in many low-lying areas.

The administration had apprised army of the situation and sought its help.

Yesterday, irrigation department released thousands of cusecs of water from Gangapur, Darna, Palkhed and other dams following heavy rainfall, causing the water level to rise in Darna, Kadva and other rivers in the district.

The department had opened all seven doors of the Nandur Madhmeshwar dam causing flood in Chandori and Saykheda villages.