Surat: Ukai reservoir began receiving fresh inflow of water on Saturday after heavy rainfall in its catchment areas in Maharashtra. Officials said the reservoir is currently receiving 6,293 cusecs of water. Despite the fresh inflow, the water level remains well below the rule level, standing at 308 feet against the 333 feet rule level. The dam authorities have maintained an outflow of 800 cusecs since Friday to manage the situation downstream.In Surat, rising water in the Tapi river led to overtopping at the weir-cum-causeway in the city on Saturday, prompting the closure of the bridge for traffic movement. Authorities said the inflow at the weir increased due to sustained rain in parts of the district and the release of 800 cusecs from Ukai. The water level at the weir was recorded at 6.80 metres.Meanwhile, the level of the Purna river in Navsari showed signs of easing, with officials reporting a gradual decline as rainfall intensity reduced in the river’s catchment areas. Rainfall figures from Navsari district on Saturday indicated heavy precipitation in multiple talukas. Gandevi recorded 150 mm, Chikhli 132 mm, Jalalpore 114 mm and Navsari taluka 112 mm. In Surat district, Olpad received 74 mm of rainfall while Palsana recorded 57 mm.With forecasts indicating the possibility of further heavy rain in the region, the administration has issued advisories for residents in low-lying areas. Citizens have been asked to stay alert, monitor local updates and avoid venturing near rivers, lakes and other water bodies as water levels can rise rapidly. Emergency teams have been kept on standby and local officials have been instructed to keep an eye on vulnerable stretches, particularly near the riverbanks.
