The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to continue water supply to the city's five swimming pools during the ongoing summer vacation, responding to heavy demand from students and residents. However, the civic body will stop the supply from June once schools and colleges reopen.
Reason Behind the Decision
An NMC official stated that the move is part of a broader water conservation strategy in view of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) warning of a possible weak monsoon between June and August. The official said, 'With the summer vacation on, most students have enrolled in swimming pools across the city. There has also been high demand from residents. Hence, we have decided to continue water supply to these pools till the end of the summer vacation. However, the supply will be stopped once schools and colleges reopen in June.'
Additional Water Conservation Measures
The NMC has already decided to stop water supply for commercial purposes such as vehicle washing centres and laundries, with implementation expected in the coming days. Civic authorities said that while recreational needs during the vacation are being met, stricter restrictions will follow to ensure sustainable use of water resources during the anticipated dry spell.
The decision follows a letter from the state water resources department (WRD), which urged the civic body to ensure judicious use of its reserved water quota and manage supplies carefully in view of the El Niño alert.
Water Reserves and Allocation
The NMC official reiterated that the city's current water reserves are expected to last only till August 15 if consumption continues at the present rate. For the 2025-26 reservation period, which runs from October 15 to July 31, the city has been allocated a total of 6,400 million cubic feet (mcft) of water from three dams. This includes 4,600 mcft from Gangapur dam, 1,500 mcft from Mukane dam, and 300 mcft from Darna dam.
Key Points:
- Water supply to five swimming pools continues during summer vacation.
- Supply will be stopped in June when schools reopen.
- Commercial water supply to vehicle washing centres and laundries will be stopped soon.
- Weak monsoon and El Niño alerts prompt conservation measures.
- City's water reserves may last only until August 15 at current consumption rate.
The NMC is taking these steps to balance recreational needs with long-term water sustainability.
