As summer approaches Pune with heightened temperatures, the demand for water is expected to surge in the city. Meanwhile, the quartet of dams supplying water to Pune is currently at 38.61% capacity, compared to 35.55% in 2024, as of April 14.
These water levels are depleting fast, as it was at 53.40% on March 11.
Official records reveal that the cumulative water storage of the Khadakwasla reservoir stands at 53.78% as of April 14.
Panshet reservoir is at 37.65%, while Temghar stands at 9.95%. Additionally, the Warasgaon dam stands at 45.36% capacity.
While Pavna's water level lies at 40.79% and Kasarsai at 34.81%, Mulshi stands at 40.02%.
Will Pune see watercuts?
Amid the rise in temperature leading to faster evaporation, the storage capacity of dams around the city has dropped drastically. However, the state irrigation department and PMC are exploring various options to save water in dams and have cited that sufficient water is available in dams for consumption until July 15.
The PMC water department official said, "There will be no water cuts in the coming months, but we are keeping a tab on the wastage of water and collecting fines. We are repairing leaks at many locations to reduce water loss. Strict monitoring will start soon against the usage of water for construction work."
PMC takes over 1.5 TMC of water from Khadakwasla on a monthly basis. For the next four months, it will require more than 6 TMC of water from Khadakwasla.
The Khadakwasla dam system currently holds over 11.26 TMC of water, which is approximately 38.61% of its total capacity.
The allocated water quota for Pune is 14.61 TMC for the year 2024-25, which should suffice for the city's needs until mid-year.
This storage level is higher than the previous year, providing relief against water shortages. Pune city will get an uninterrupted water supply till July 15 as sufficient water is available in the dams.
The canal carries water from Khadakwasla to Indapur, covering a distance of around 200 km. The irrigation department has deployed teams at various locations along the canal to keep a tab on water theft. The locations of water seepages have been repaired to reduce water loss.
