Pune Braces for Possible Water Cut as Khadakwasla Dam Levels Decline
Pune, 20th December 2023: The municipal administration has acknowledged a decrease in water usage following instructions from the Water Resources Department, prompted by diminishing water storage in the Khadakwasla Dam chain project. Discussions with Water Resources Department officials are slated to occur in the new year to determine the extent of water reduction measures.
The city is grappling with a water shortage as storage levels in the Khadakwasla chain project witness a decline. The Water Resources Department has officially communicated to the Municipal Corporation, advising a limitation on daily water usage. With the Municipal Corporation taking cognizance of this advisory, indications point towards an imminent water cut in the new year.
Pune relies on water supplied from four dams in the Khadakwasla Dam Chain Project, drawing 1,650 million liters (MLD) of water daily to meet the city’s needs. The Water Resources Department had allocated an annual water storage quota of 12.60 billion cubic feet (TMC) for Pune. However, due to inadequate rainfall this year and a surge in demand during the summer, the dam did not accumulate sufficient water storage.
Despite the Khadakwasla project having a total water reserve of 24.10 TMC, 8.54 TMC is earmarked for the Rabi season, leaving a reserve of 15.50 TMC for the city. The Municipal Corporation must strategically manage this water reserve until June. In response to the challenging scenario, Commissioner and Administrator Vikram Kumar stated that the Municipal Corporation has initiated measures to reduce water usage.
While a final decision on water reduction has not been reached, Commissioner Kumar assured that the municipality is in active discussions with Water Resources Department officials. He clarified that there is no unannounced water cut in the city at present.
As the city navigates the potential water cut, officials are actively engaged in finding solutions to mitigate the impact on residents while ensuring sustainable water management in the face of declining dam levels.
