Three shutters of the Tighra dam in the city were opened after five years on Saturday around 9 pm following rise in water levels due to heavy rains in the Gwalior- Chambal Division and in the catchment areas.
With the water rising quickly, a high-level meeting of the administration and experts had decided to open the shutters on a trial run basis.
The water level in the dam had reached 738 feet in the evening and as the levels continued rising, the dam authorities informed the Gwalior and Morena district administrations and the police, following which it was decided to open the shutters.
Around 1000 cusecs of water was discharged after gate no 3, 4 and 5 were opened. Residents in the nearby areas have been alerted and a few evacuated following the opening of the shutters.
Gwalior district received 738.6 mm of water this season which is 114.7 mm more than the average rainfall.
According to the metrological department heavy rains will continue for the next three to four days.
While the heavy rains that have been lashing the city for the last 72 hours did provide the much needed respite from the heat and the water scarcity it also brought its share of miseries. There was heavy water logging at Race Course Road, Morar and the Padav areas. However, the people of Gwalior were in no mood to squander the opportunity to witness the opening of the shutters and enjoy the heavy showers.
People were seen taking selfies and videos at the dam to share their memories with others.