Pune's Water Supply Secure This Summer as Dam Levels Surge Past Last Year
Pune residents can breathe a sigh of relief as the city is unlikely to face any curtailment in daily water supply during the upcoming summer months. The collective water stock in the four crucial dams supplying Pune — Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar — remains significantly higher compared to the same period last year, providing a substantial buffer against potential shortages.
Dam Storage Shows Significant Improvement
As of the latest measurements, the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle have posted a total stock of 19.5 TMC, representing 67% of their total capacity. This marks a substantial improvement of 2.5 TMC over the 17 TMC recorded on the same date last year, according to agriculture department officials.
This surplus of 2.5 TMC translates to approximately 45 days of Pune's water requirement, creating a significant cushion as temperatures begin to rise. Irrigation department sources attribute this favorable situation to the extended monsoon season, which played a crucial role in ensuring sufficient water accumulation in the reservoirs that serve the city.
No Communication Regarding Supply Curtailments
Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation's water supply department have confirmed they have received no communication from the irrigation department regarding any planned supply reductions. "With adequate storage in all four dams of the Khadakwasla circle, along with satisfactory levels in the Bhama Askhed dam, the civic administration anticipates uninterrupted water supply throughout the peak summer months," stated an official familiar with the situation.
The state irrigation department has made strategic decisions regarding water management as winter concludes. On Tuesday, officials decided to halt water releases for winter crops, citing significantly higher water levels than typically seen at this time of year.
Water Management and Future Planning
"We are currently concluding the first water release rotation for winter crops," explained an irrigation department official. "The next rotation is expected to commence within the next 15 days. If releases begin in March, they will be classified as summer water rotations. A final decision will be made during the upcoming Khadakwasla Canal Committee meeting."
This important meeting, expected to be held within the next couple of weeks, will be chaired by Sunetra Pawar, the newly appointed guardian minister. The committee will discuss detailed plans for the allocation of remaining water stock and establish protocols for the coming months.
The extended monsoon had a direct impact on agricultural water demands. The irrigation department reported receiving no requests for water releases from rural areas until December. Consequently, water release for winter crops, which typically begins around October 15, only commenced in December last year.
Balancing Urban and Agricultural Needs
The irrigation department has initiated comprehensive calculations regarding water requirements for both Pune city and agricultural needs over the next five months. Officials have clarified that any water release schedule established for crops will not interfere with the ongoing water supply to urban areas.
Despite the comfortable storage levels in the dams, the irrigation department has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation to implement measures to reduce daily water consumption. This precautionary recommendation comes as PMC continues to engage with the state water tribunal regarding the ongoing dispute between its sanctioned water quota and the city's actual requirements.
Civic officials have expressed confidence that no tribunal decision expected before summer would negatively impact the current water supply arrangements. The city's water security appears well-established for the challenging months ahead.
Infrastructure Maintenance Plans
In related developments, the Pune Municipal Corporation has approached the state irrigation department seeking permission to conduct repair work on the primary pipeline that transports water from Khadakwasla dam to the city. During these maintenance operations, PMC plans to implement contingency measures, including lifting water directly from the canal to ensure city supply remains completely unaffected.
Technical details of this proposal are currently being finalized by irrigation officials, who have confirmed receiving formal communication from the civic body regarding this planned infrastructure work. These proactive maintenance measures demonstrate the administration's commitment to ensuring reliable water delivery systems throughout the year.
