Pune: The release of water from Khadakwasla dam on Saturday led to incidents of flooding across the city, prompting widespread evacuation and rescue efforts by the authorities and volunteers. Amidst all the chaos, a lone stray dog perched precariously on a rock in the swirling waters near the dam caught the attention of passersby. The citizens concerned took to social media, sharing images of the stranded dog and asking for help to rescue her.
While fire officials said they were too busy with evacuations of humans in flood-prone areas to spare time here, police personnel at the location said they had no equipment to carry out the rescue safely. Finally, around 7pm, animal welfare activists , including Padmini Stump, Shabaaz Khan, and Prakash Kolte, rushed to the spot with other compassionate volunteers. The dog, visibly distressed, clung to a shrinking island of rock as the water released from the dam raged around it.
Working quickly and carefully, the rescuers secured a rope; with a combination of skill and courage, they managed to ferry the terrified animal to safety. Rescuer Stump, founder of Mission Possible Foundation on Shankarsheth Road, told TOI, "It had been raining the whole day and we knew we had to rescue the dog before it got dark. Six of my staff members and I rushed to the spot through terrible traffic on Sinhagad Road to get her out before she was washed away.
One of the volunteers, who said he is a very good swimmer, gauged the situation and decided to go dow.