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Weather
Rainwater Floods ₹1,100-Crore Mukundra Tunnel; 19 Navnera Dam Gates Opened
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 11 Aug 2026, 05:04 PM
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Heavy rains triggered a flood in the Mukundra tunnel, costing ₹1,100 crore. To manage the surge, 19 gates of Navnera Dam were opened, releasing 4.25 lakh cusecs of water.
Heavy rainfall over the past days has caused a sudden surge of water into the Mukundra tunnel, a critical infrastructure project valued at ₹1,100 crore. The sudden influx threatened to compromise the tunnel’s structural integrity and prompted immediate action by state authorities.
In response, officials opened 19 gates of the Navnera Dam, located near Nanded in Maharashtra. The release of water amounted to 4.25 lakh cusecs, a significant volume aimed at reducing pressure on the tunnel and preventing potential flooding downstream.
The Maharashtra Water Resources Department coordinated the operation, monitoring water levels and ensuring that the discharge did not adversely affect downstream communities. Engineers are now assessing the tunnel for any damage and planning repairs if necessary.
While the immediate risk has been mitigated, authorities warn that continued heavy rains could pose further challenges. Residents in the surrounding areas are advised to stay alert for any changes in water levels and to follow official guidance.
In response, officials opened 19 gates of the Navnera Dam, located near Nanded in Maharashtra. The release of water amounted to 4.25 lakh cusecs, a significant volume aimed at reducing pressure on the tunnel and preventing potential flooding downstream.
The Maharashtra Water Resources Department coordinated the operation, monitoring water levels and ensuring that the discharge did not adversely affect downstream communities. Engineers are now assessing the tunnel for any damage and planning repairs if necessary.
While the immediate risk has been mitigated, authorities warn that continued heavy rains could pose further challenges. Residents in the surrounding areas are advised to stay alert for any changes in water levels and to follow official guidance.