Water Storage in Pune Dams Reaches Significant Level, Residents Await Relief from Water Restrictions
Pune, 12th July 2023: Water storage in the dams supplying water to Pune has reached a significant level. The Khadakwasla dam currently has 51 percent water storage. However, the water restrictions in Pune will remain in place until the Khadakwasla dam reaches full capacity and its gates are opened. As a result, residents will have to wait a bit longer before the water restrictions are lifted.
The anticipation of low rainfall this year due to the El Nino effect prompted the Maharashtra state government to instruct the Pune Municipal Corporation to conserve water during the summer. They were also asked to ensure that the water in the dam can be used until August 31. Consequently, the PMC took measures to prevent water leakage and implemented water cuts. Since May 18, water supply has been halted every Thursday, resulting in a potential saving of at least 0.25 TMC of water.
The scheduled water cutoff every Thursday has led to inadequate water supply in approximately 20 percent of the area on Fridays and Saturdays. Therefore, citizens have expressed their grievances regarding this issue. To address the situation, more than 150 air valves have been installed to alleviate the air pressure in the aqueduct. This measure has improved water supply in many areas.
June witnessed below-average rainfall, with the catchment area of the dam also receiving less rainfall. Despite the meteorological department’s prediction of heavy rains in the hilly region (Ghat) in July, such rainfall has yet to materialize.
Till today morning, a total of 8.14 TMC (27.92 percent) water storage has accumulated in the four dams, namely Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar. The Khadakwasla Dam alone has accumulated 1.03 TMC (51.99 percent) of water. Sources indicate that the water restrictions every Thursday can be lifted once the Khadakwasla dam reaches full capacity. Therefore, unless there is substantial rainfall and sufficient water storage in the dams, the citizens will continue to face water scarcity.
Meanwhile, Anirudh Pavaskar, the head of the water supply department, stated, “The decision to lift the water restrictions will be made at the appropriate time, following discussions at the senior level.”
