Water released in drought-hit Pune, two kids drown

Political parties have expressed fear that the release of water would lead to water cuts in the city

Two children playing in a dried-up canal in Pune district drowned, after water from the Khadakwasla dam was suddenly released in it on Thursday. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has demanded a case be registered against district collector Saurabh Rao and guardian minister Girish Bapat.

Bodies of Balu Krishna Dhande, 8, and Laxmi Dhande, 6, were found near the BT Kawde road canal in Gorpadi.

MNS Pune chief Ajay Shinde held the authorities responsible for the death of the children, saying they should have deployed the police to ensure safety of people staying along the canal.

Bapat’s decision to release water from Khadakwasla dam for Daund and Indapur talukas is being opposed by all political parties. Bapat is being blamed for his failure to manage water distribution.

Political parties have expressed fear that the release of water would lead to water cuts in the city.