<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-rains-mumbai-university-postpones-exams-scheduled-for-july-7-due-to-heavy-rain-alert-23638530" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Torrential rainfall across Maharashtra</a> has caused severe flooding in Alandi, with the Indrayani River flowing above the danger mark and inundating large parts of the pilgrimage town.
The flooding has disrupted daily life, damaged public infrastructure and forced authorities to significantly reduce preparations for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Ashadhi Wari Palkhi Procession 2026.
All internal roads in Alandi have been closed, while every bridge across the Indrayani River has been shut to traffic as floodwaters continue to rise.
Despite the challenging conditions, the Palkhi Prasthan ceremony will take place as scheduled on 8 July at 3 pm at the Sanjeevan Samadhi Temple.
However, the Devasthan Committee has limited attendance to 1,660 people to ensure public safety.
<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-rains-flooded-indrayani-river-cuts-off-alandi-warkaris-asked-to-halt-ashadhi-wari-2026-pilgrimage-23638483" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">The gathering will include 560 Warkaris</a> from designated dindis, 500 traditional dignitaries, dindi heads, sevekars and invited representatives, along with 600 temple staff, palanquin bearers, sanitation workers, healthcare personnel and police officers.
<h2>Floods cause widespread damage</h2>
The flooding has caused extensive damage throughout Alandi. Railings on the river bridge and several electricity poles have been washed away, while the Alandi Municipal Council's water treatment plant has been completely submerged, disrupting the city's drinking water supply.
Large queue structures built for devotees waiting for darshan and many temporary mobile toilets installed for the Ashadhi Wari have also been swept away by the floodwaters.
Power outages have affected several parts of the town, and heavy slush has rendered temporary camps and shelters for Warkaris unusable, creating additional challenges for the authorities.
<h2>Devotees advised not to travel to Alandi</h2>
The Devasthan Committee has appealed to devotees not to travel to Alandi for the Palkhi departure ceremony because of the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-rains-bmc-declares-holiday-for-all-schools-and-colleges-on-july-7-after-heavy-rain-alert-23638528" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">ongoing floods, continuous heavy rainfall</a> and shortage of accommodation.
Pilgrims have instead been advised to monitor official weather updates and join the Ashadhi Wari at later halting points along the procession route.
Further instructions regarding the procession will be issued by the committee as the situation develops.
<h2>24 people safely rescued from flooded building</h2>
A major rescue operation was successfully completed at the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi Temple Trust's Bhakta Niwas, where 24 people, including 20 personnel from the Navi Mumbai Police and four civilians, had been stranded since early morning due to rising floodwaters.
Water levels reached the first floor of the building, cutting off exit routes and disrupting electricity supply. Following an alert from the District Collector's office, the PMRDA Disaster Response Force (PDRF), along with local authorities, safely evacuated everyone trapped inside.
Officials have urged residents living in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/nashik-rains-nashik-on-high-alert-as-authorities-prepare-for-cloudburst-like-rain-on-tuesday-cm-reviews-preparedness-23638519" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">flood-prone and landslide-risk areas</a> to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if advised by the authorities.

Pune rains: Heavy rainfall in parts of Maharashtra including Pune has caused severe flooding in Alandi, with the Indrayani River flowing above the danger mark

Pune rains: Heavy rains inundate Alandi, authorities restrict Ashadhi Wari Palkhi departure ceremony

Heavy monsoon rain triggers floods, landslides and rescue operations across Pune district

The flooding has disrupted daily life, damaged public infrastructure and forced authorities to significantly reduce preparations for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Ashadhi Wari Palkhi Procession 2026

Heavy rains inundate Alandi, authorities restrict Palkhi departure ceremony

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