Pune: Water Stock in Dams Records Decline Amidst Subdued Rainfall

Pune, 18th June 2024: The collective water stock in the four dams of the Khadakwasla circle was recorded at 3.7 TMC (13%) on Monday, a decrease of 1 TMC from last year’s 4.7 TMC for the same period, as the catchments continue to await heavy showers.

Over the past week, there has been no increase in live water storage in the four dams due to subdued rainfall. State irrigation department officials stated that adequate reserves have been kept to meet the city’s water requirements until mid-July.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) typically lifts around 1.5 TMC of water from Khadakwasla every month. According to estimates, the current stock of 3.7 TMC can meet the city’s water needs for over a month. However, the irrigation department has urged the PMC to ensure judicious use of water to avoid a critical situation.

The department is closely monitoring water levels in all major dams around the city. An official from the irrigation department, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “The collective water stock in the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle is 1 TMC lower than last year’s stock of 4.7 TMC. The reservoirs have yet to receive heavy rain to help increase water levels. Except for Temghar, rainfall in the catchment areas of the three major dams — Panshet, Varasgaon, and Khadakwasla — has not reached the 100mm mark. The next three weeks are crucial, and we hope rainfall will increase in the catchments by the end of June.”

Last month, the irrigation department put on hold water discharge from Khadakwasla to rural areas due to the slow pace of rainfall. The decision on resuming supply will depend on rain revival in the coming days, sources said.

It is noteworthy that the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle have a total capacity of 29.15 TMC. However, the reservoirs did not fill to capacity last monsoon due to insufficient rainfall. Another irrigation department official mentioned that catchment areas usually receive maximum rainfall during July and August.

Meanwhile, the water stock in Bhama Askhed dam dropped to 1.15 TMC (15%) as of Monday. This dam provides water to the city’s eastern parts, including Wadgaonsheri, Chandannagar, Lohegaon, and Vimannagar. The irrigation department confirmed that the water supply from the dam has not been curtailed.