Pune Reservoirs Reach 25 TMC Capacity, Anticipate Full Levels by Mid-August
The four reservoirs in the Khadakwasla circle in Pune have reached a collective stock capacity of 25 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), which is 4 TMC more than last year’s reserve. This increase in water storage comes as the Mulshi dam resumed water release due to a significant amount of rainfall in its catchment area. Among all the reservoirs in Pune district, the Mulshi dam recorded the highest rainfall with 34mm in the past 24 hours.
The water released from the Mulshi dam flows into the Mula river, which passes through Pimpri Chinchwad. With the anticipation of a rise in the water level of the Mula river, officials from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have issued an alert for low-lying areas. However, there have been no major displacements of people reported so far.
Although the collective stock in the four dams supplying water to Pune is higher compared to the same day last year, the irrigation department emphasizes the need for judicious use of water as the dams have not yet reached their capacities. The collective storage capacity of the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle is 29.15 TMC, leaving a shortfall of approximately 4 TMC to reach 100% capacity. Officials are hopeful that the dams will reach full capacity by mid-August if the catchment areas continue to receive good rainfall.
Last week, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) lifted the once-a-week water cuts in the city. However, they have urged residents to use water wisely to avoid any crisis during the peak summer months.
The irrigation department has also stated that water release from the Panshet dam may begin in the next couple of days if heavy rainfall continues in its catchment area. At present, there are no immediate plans to release water from the dam due to a decrease in rainfall intensity. Nevertheless, the administration is preparing a plan for water discharge if necessary, and the water released from Panshet dam will flow to the Khadakwasla dam. The irrigation department is closely monitoring the rainfall activity in the catchment areas.
Additionally, the water stock in Bhama Askhed, which serves as the city’s fifth water source, has reached 6.2 TMC, equivalent to 80% of its capacity.
The current situation indicates an improvement in the water storage compared to the previous year. However, it is crucial to continue using water responsibly until the dams reach their full capacities. With mid-August as the target for achieving 100% capacity, authorities are hopeful that adequate rainfall will contribute to the successful replenishment of water resources in Pune and surrounding areas.
