Kolhapur: The city will shift to alternate-day water supply from Saturday as the direct pipeline from Kalammawadi dam has been halted after its levels fell below the minimum lifting point, prompting the civic body to rely on limited alternative sources.
Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials said water can be lifted only up to 646 metres, but the dam level dropped to 636 metres, leading to the shutdown of the direct pipeline. The civic body has now started sourcing water from the Panchaganga River through pumping stations at Shingnapur, Balinga and Nagdevwadi.
KMC water supply engineer Harshjit Ghatge attributed the situation to reduced storage in Kalammawadi dam because of delayed monsoon linked to the El Nino effect. “To ensure prudent management of available water resources, alternate-day supply (under an odd-even date system) will be implemented in the city and its adjoining areas from June 13 (Saturday). Citizens are urged to use water carefully,” he said.
The 53-km pipeline, with an 1800mm diameter, from Kalammawadi to Puikhadi filter house, operational since November 2023, has been interrupted for the first time since its commissioning. The scheme will remain shut until reservoir levels improve with rainfall.
Water levels in Kalamba Lake have also declined sharply, and its supply — catering to Mangalwar Peth and nearby areas — is expected to stop within four days. A KMC official said water distribution would depend on the capacity of the three pumping stations and available flow in the Panchaganga River, factoring in potential rainfall.
Areas scheduled to receive water on June 13 (and subsequent odd dates) include Lakshmipuri, Shahupuri (lanes 5-8), Ravivar Peth, Rajarampuri, Tarabai Park, Shivaji Park and Kasba Bavda. Supply on June 14 (and subsequent even dates) will cover Mahadwar Road, Shivaji Peth, Gangavesh, Jawahar Nagar, Tapovan, Pachgaon and Mangalwar Peth, among other areas.
Water supply on odd dates: Lakshmipuri, Shahupuri (lanes 5, 6, 7, & 8), Ravivar Peth, Akbar Mohalla, Bhavani Mandap, Phulewadi Ring Road, Rajarampuri and Extension area, Rajendranagar, Vaibhav Tekdi, Green Park, Revenue Society, Samratnagar, Shastrinagar, Takala, Shivaji Park, Kasba Bavda, Kadamwadi, Raman Mala, New Palace, Circuit House, Tarabai Park, Line bazar, Sadar Bazaar & Vichare Mal.
Water supply on even dates: Mahadwar Road, Phulewadi, Rankala Tower, Shivaji Peth, Gujri, Gangavesh, Papachi Tikti, Sonya Maruti Chowk, Siddharthnagar, Uttareshwar Peth, Sane Guruji, Krantisinh Nana Patil, Jawahar Nagar, Subhash Nagar, YP Powar Nagar, SSC Board, Jivba Nana, Sambhaji Nagar, Kalamba Filter House, Tapovan, Pachgaon, Jarag Nagar, Mangalwar Peth, Tembalaiwadi, Market Yard & Shivaji Park.
