Pune’s Thirsty Dams: Water Reserves Depleted, IMD’s Prediction Of Heavy Rains Bring Hope

Pune, 18th July 2023: The four dams in the Khadakwasla chain are currently experiencing less rain, raising concerns as water reserves have reached only 31 percent. By this time last year, the catchment area of the dams had accumulated 61 percent water storage due to heavy rainfall. This year, however, water storage is lower by 8.62 TMC (28.58 percent) compared to last year.

The India Meteorological Department’s forecast predicts satisfactory water storage in the dams, as heavy rains are expected in the coming days. Pune City primarily relies on the water supply from the Temghar, Varasgaon, Panshet, and Khadakwasla dams.

As of now, a total of 9.05 billion cubic feet (TMC), equivalent to 31.04 percent of water storage, has accumulated in all four dams. By July 17 last year, these dams had accumulated a total of 17.67 TMC (60.62 percent) of water.

The monsoon rains arrived late this year, with continuous rain initially, followed by a lull. During Sunday night to Monday morning at eight o’clock, only three millimeters of rain was recorded in the Khadakwasla dam area, while 45 millimeters, 25 millimeters, and 26 millimeters were recorded in the Temghar, Varasgaon, and Panshet dam areas, respectively.

Throughout the day, the Temghar dam area received 20 millimeters of rain, while the Varasgaon and Panshet dam areas received 15 millimeters each, and the Khadakwasla dam area received two millimeters, according to the water resources department.

Water storage in dams:
Dam – TMC – Storage %
Temghar – 0.68 – 18.46
Varasgaon – 4.09 – 31.90
Panshet – 3.41 – 31.98
Khadakwasla – 0.87 -43.89
Total – 9.05 – 31.04