Cracks on Mahabaleswar-Tapola Road & fresh landslide disrupt traffic in Satara, prolonged power cuts continue

Kolhapur: Rainfall intensity across Mahabaleshwar, Navaja and the Koyna valley in Satara district eased on Thursday, offering relief to residents facing landslides, road damage, power disruptions and risks to villages in vulnerable hilly areas.A major concern emerged on the Mahabaleshwar-Tapola Road, where a 30-metre-long crack developed on the main carriageway, disrupting traffic movement. Authorities restricted the route to one-way traffic as a precautionary measure. Public works department (PWD) deputy engineer Ajay Deshpande said, “Officials inspected the location immediately after receiving information about the damage. To prevent complete road closure, we have begun urgent temporary measures.

Permanent repairs will be undertaken after the monsoon season ends.”

Adding to the residents’ woes, another landslide struck the Satara-Sajjangad Road on Wednesday evening. Large quantities of debris from the adjoining hillside, along with uprooted trees, completely blocked the route, disrupting traffic. After several hours of efforts, authorities restored traffic movement on the road.Rainfall data recorded in the 24 hours ending 8.30am on Thursday showed that Mahabaleshwar received 132mm of rainfall, while Navaja and Koyna recorded 192mm and 151mm, respectively.

The spell of heavy rain also affected power infrastructure across Satara district, plunging several villages, including Kas, Chikhali, Chalkewadi, Tambi, Ghatai, Jalkewadi and Pawarwadi, into darkness after strong winds and rain brought down power poles at multiple locations last week. “The power outage has impacted several public services. In the popular Thoseghar waterfall area, CCTV surveillance systems, drinking water facilities and other essential services have remained non-functional due to the lack of electricity,” a district disaster management official said.In Bondarwadi village, continuous rainfall has heightened the risk of landslides. Large volumes of water flowing down mountain slopes have created stream-like conditions within the settlement, while cracks have appeared in the walls of several homes, rendering them unsafe for habitation. “Agricultural land has suffered extensive damage and roads connecting the village have collapsed at several points. Disruptions to drinking water supply, electricity and transport services have further isolated residents,” the official said.

Satara collector Santosh Patil visited the landslide-hit Alawadi village in the Parali valley to assess the situation. “Several houses have collapsed, while some have been completely destroyed. The threat of further landslides remains. Villagers should immediately shift to the temporary shelter centre in Patheghar without taking any risks. The administration has taken a positive stand on the permanent rehabilitation of Alawadi village and would soon initiate the process for permanent rehabilitation,” he said.In neighbouring Kolhapur district too, rainfall intensity dropped considerably on Thursday, with only light drizzle reported during brief spells in the morning and evening. The Panchganga river, which had touched 39 feet, receded by four inches by 7pm at the Rajaram Barrage in Kolhapur city. Despite the improvement, swollen rivers continued to affect transportation, with 43 barrages across the district remaining submerged.Rainfall data for the 24-hour period ending 8.30am on Thursday showed Kolhapur district received an average of 21.29mm of rainfall, with Radhanagari tehsil recording the highest precipitation at 33.9mm.

The Sangli irrigation department issued an alert for residents living along the Krishna river, warning of a possible rise in water levels due to continued rainfall in the Krishna, Koyna and Warna river catchment areas. Seema S Mohite, executive engineer with the Sangli irrigation department, said, “The water level of the Krishna river at the Irwin Bridge in Sangli city was expected to rise to around 32 feet by Thursday night.

Residents and farmers in villages situated along the riverbanks are advised to remain vigilant. People should not pay attention to rumours and should follow official updates issued by the administration.”