Khindsi Dam Releases 25 Cusecs into Sur River, Nagpur and Bhandara on Alert
The administration released 25 cusecs of water from Khindsi Dam into the Sur River on May 15, 2026, responding to a sudden surge in water demand from local bodies in Nagpur and Bhandara districts. The Khindsi Dam water release Nagpur decision was taken after several gram panchayats and nagar panchayats along the Sur River submitted urgent water requests to the authorities.
Why Was Water Released from Khindsi Dam?
Rising temperatures across Vidarbha have significantly increased water consumption in villages and small towns along the Sur River. Several local bodies in Nagpur and Bhandara districts submitted urgent requests to the Pench Irrigation Sub-Division office, citing a sharp increase in daily water demand.
Acting swiftly on these requests, the Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Pench Irrigation Sub-Division office ordered the controlled release of 25 cusecs of water from Khindsi Dam into the Sur River channel at 4:00 PM on May 15, 2026.
What Is the Current Water Level at Khindsi Dam?
As of the time of release, the water level at Khindsi Dam stands at 314.95 metres. The live water storage in the reservoir is recorded at 68.956 million cubic metres, which accounts for 66.88 per cent of the dam’s total storage capacity. Authorities confirmed that the dam’s water level is stable and within normal limits. The situation is being continuously monitored by the irrigation department.
Public Safety Alert Issued Along the Sur River
With the sudden increase in water flow, the administration has issued a public safety advisory for all villages and settlements located along the banks of the Sur River. Residents have been asked to stay away from the river banks and maintain a safe distance from the waterway until the released water flows through completely.
Safety instructions have also been passed down to village-level officials and gram sevaks to ensure that the advisory reaches every household situated near the river.
Authorities have warned that any negligence near a river with increased water flow can be dangerous, especially for children and cattle. Citizens are urged to take the advisory seriously.
Summer Water Demand Driving Releases
The water release reflects the growing pressure on reservoir-based water supply systems across the Nagpur division during the summer months. With groundwater levels falling and bore wells running dry in several villages, gram panchayats are increasingly turning to canal and river-based supply lines to meet daily drinking water needs.
The irrigation department has indicated that water levels and demand patterns will continue to be closely watched in the coming weeks. Further releases from Khindsi Dam may be made if demand from downstream local bodies continues to rise before the onset of the monsoon season.
