PMC Clears Gadhi River Hyacinth Blockage to Avert Panvel Flood Threat

On July 8, 2026, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) successfully averted a major flood threat to Panvel city by conducting an emergency operation to clear a massive accumulation of water hyacinth from the Gadhi River beneath the Karanjade-Panvel bridge near Koliwada. The blockage had severely restricted the river's flow and threatened to flood low-lying areas of the city.

Following continuous heavy rainfall in the region, large quantities of water hyacinth were washed downstream and became lodged under the bridge. Civic officials warned that the slowed river flow could cause water to back up into Panvel city, risking inundation of residential zones.

In response to the rising threat, the civic body acted swiftly and deployed machinery to the bridge near Koliwada. The emergency operation successfully cleared the obstruction and restored the natural flow of the Gadhi River, which officials stated significantly reduced the risk of floodwaters entering the city.

Alongside the river clearance, Panvel has also been grappling with widespread tree falls due to strong winds accompanying the monsoon. According to civic officials, around 150 trees have fallen across various parts of Panvel over the preceding five days.

The impact of these tree falls has been severe. On Monday alone, nearly 40 trees were uprooted or collapsed across the city. These fallen trees blocked several roads, disrupted local traffic, and caused electricity outages, affecting normal daily life for residents.

Civic teams have been deployed to address the damage and have been working round the clock to clear the fallen trees. The PMC continues its efforts to restore essential services and ensure roads are safe for commuters.