The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is likely to announce water cuts for the city soon, as the collective water storage in the four dams of the Khadakwasla circle has dropped to 5.5 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) as of Thursday. This level is less than 20% of the total capacity, raising concerns about water availability in the coming months. The delay in the monsoon's arrival and the potential impact of El Niño this year have exacerbated the situation.
Current Water Storage and Options
According to the latest data from the irrigation department, the water stock in the four dams—Khadakwasla, Panshet, Warasgaon, and Temghar—stood at 5.5 TMC on Thursday. This is similar to the storage recorded in the first week of June last year. Additionally, the Bhama Askhed dam, which supplies water to some parts of the city, has dropped to 2.3 TMC, representing 31% of its capacity.
The civic administration is exploring several options to manage the crisis. These include introducing alternate-day water supply or implementing across-the-board reductions in water usage until the dam levels rise to comfortable levels. Officials from the PMC's water supply department confirmed that they are preparing various plans to deal with the situation.
Decision-Making Process
PMC sources indicated that the civic administration, office bearers, and corporators will soon take a call on water cuts and the necessary measures. The state irrigation department had earlier advised the PMC to reduce water usage due to the poor monsoon season. However, a final decision was postponed until the end of May after Mayor Manjusha Nagpure decided to defer it to June for a fresh review based on weather department forecasts.
An official from the water supply department stated, "Considering the existing stock of water in the four dams, the situation is not very alarming, but it warrants a detailed inspection as the weather department has predicted the impact of El Niño and a possible drop in rainfall. The city has faced similar situations in recent years, where the administration imposed water cuts and alternate-day supply. We are tabling all options for the civic chief to decide."
Challenges Ahead
Sources say the situation this year could be more challenging if predictions of a likely drop in overall rainfall come true. The irrigation department has continued releasing water for summer crops through the Mutha right canal, but this release is expected to be shut in the next few days. Officials from the irrigation department said the state government has instructed them to maintain adequate water stock in dams to meet drinking water requirements until the end of August.
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC's water supply department, said, "We are monitoring the situation and are keeping the plans ready. The decision on water cuts is yet to be taken; all areas are getting water supply as per schedule. The department will alert residents about any changes to be introduced in the supply of water."
Residents are advised to use water judiciously as the civic body prepares to implement measures to ensure adequate supply during the critical period.
