Surat on alert as Ukai set to release 1.81 lakh cusecs water

At least 60 people were shifted to a safer location as water from Tapi river entered low-lying areas of Surat city on Thursday.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) also sounded an alert following the release of over 1.81 lakh cusecs of water from the Ukai dam.

The civic body also barricaded the river bank in Adajan to prevent people from entering the water.

According to SMC, river water enters several areas in the central zone and Rander if over 2.25 lakh cusecs was released into the river.

To prevent flooding, flood gates at Hanuman Tekri, Makkaipul and Bharimata were closed. Dewatering pumps were also installed at these locations to release the rainwater into the river.

On Thursday, 1.81 lakh cusecs of water was released from Ukai dam during early hours. The dam was receiving 1.95 lakh cusecs of water on Thursday evening and it is likely to increase further.

Dam officials said that 2.25 lakh cusecs of water was released from Hatnur dam in Maharashtra. After 3 pm the discharge was reduced to 1.84 lakh cusecs.

The water released from Hatnur will reach Ukai in 24 hours. Since rain continued between Hatnur and Ukai, additional water is also likely to be released from Hatnur.

Along with Ukai, Surat district collector office and SMC officials are keeping close watch on the rain and water levels in Ukai dam. 

Meanwhile, Ukai dam water level reached 334.50 ft against the rule level of 335 ft. "Due to the full moon there was high tide in the sea hence less water from the river entered it. 

The disaster management department is keeping concerned offices updated about the changes in the situation," said district collector Ayush Oak.