PUNE: Due to the increasing intensity of rainfall in Pune city and nearby districts, District Collector Dr. Suhas Divase has declared a holiday for all schools in the affected regions on July 25. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in Pune city, as well as in the Bhor, Velha, Maval, Mulshi, and Haveli talukas. Consequently, all schools in these areas will remain closed on July 25. Dr. Divase, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority, stressed the need for caution as the Khadakwasla Dam has started releasing 40,000 cusecs of water. The potential for waterlogging in Pune's low-lying areas is significant, and residents are advised to stay indoors unless necessary. Restricted Zones Due to Dam Water Release Starting at 6 am, 35,574 cusecs of water have been discharged from the Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha River. The dam area has received over 100 millimeters of rainfall, with the Ghats experiencing more than 200 millimeters. Due to the likelihood of increased water discharge, several areas have been declared off-limits to the public. These restricted areas include Bhide Bridge, Khillare Vasti College area near Garware College, Shitala Devi Temple in Deccan, the settlement in front of Sangam Bridge, Jayantaro Tilak Bridge, and Holkar Bridge. These safety measures were communicated by the Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department. Earlier this month, on July 9, similar red and orange alerts issued by the IMD for Pune District (Ghat region) and Pune city respectively, prompted the district administration to close schools across the entire district. However, a sunny morning that day led to a blame game between the IMD and district officials, causing citizens to question the district officials' understanding of the situation. Latest Updates: Maharashtra Schools Closes Monday Due to Heavy Rainfall Warning Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Alerts Officials Amid Heavy Rains Heavy Rains Hit Mumbai: Building Collapse Claims Life and Tulsi Lake Overflows