65 Families Evacuated As Kelwa Dam Near Zanzroli Village Reaches Full Capacity
Following continuous heavy rainfall, the Kelwa Dam near Zanzroli village in Palghar has reached 100 percent storage capacity, prompting authorities to release water and relocate local families to safety. District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar announced that water is being discharged at a rate of 2.951 cusecs from the reservoir to manage the rising inflow and prevent potential flooding.
The dam, which currently holds 3.242 million cubic metres of water, is situated close to the Kelwa Road railway station. Completed in 1981 under the Mahim–Kelwa Minor Irrigation Project, the reservoir has served the surrounding region for the past 45 years.
To mitigate flood risks, coordinated emergency operations are being conducted by the Revenue Department, Police Department, and Water Resources Department under the supervision of the Palghar Tehsildar. District Collector Jakhar and Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh are personally overseeing the situation.
As a precautionary measure, authorities identified eight affected padas in the vicinity, classifying four of them as highly sensitive. Approximately 130 families reside in these sensitive areas. So far, 65 families have been shifted to safer locations, and the relocation of the remaining residents is underway. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to support the evacuation efforts.
In addition to the evacuations, emergency workers are reinforcing vulnerable sections near the dam with sandbags and stones to prevent erosion. Dr. Jakhar personally visited the site to review these reinforcement works and monitor the water discharge levels.
The administration has urged residents of 15 nearby villages—including Dasmala, Bhutan Mala, Jhanjroli, Bharanpada, Tokarale, Devipada, Devshet Pada, Maykhop, Patilpada, Palgepada, Tardepada, Bendali, Rathe, Rawalpada, and Makunsar—to remain vigilant. Citizens have been advised to avoid riverbanks, streams, and the dam spillway. Officials noted that while there is no immediate danger to residents, round-the-clock monitoring will remain in place.
