Pune: Khadakwasla Dam Stock Rises for First Time This Monsoon, But Water Situation Remains Grim

Pune, 3rd July 2026: Reservoir levels in Khadakwasla dam chain registered their first increase of the monsoon after sustained rainfall over the past two days, offering some relief amid an otherwise worrying water situation.

The combined storage in the four reservoirs of the Khadakwasla project rose from 3.63 TMC on Tuesday to 3.81 TMC on Thursday, marking an increase of nearly 0.2 TMC, according to the irrigation department. Officials said the rise indicates inflows have begun and storage is expected to improve further if rainfall continues.

Despite the uptick, the overall situation remains critical. Irrigation department data shows that 15 of the 25 major reservoirs in the Bhima basin hold less than 25% of their live storage capacity, while five dams have slipped below zero live storage.

Officials said rainfall has intensified across several catchment areas. Mulshi recorded over 100 mm rainfall in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning, while Pavana received 45 mm. Temghar recorded 35 mm, Gunjawani 35 mm, Bhama Askhed 18 mm, and Panshet and Varasgaon about 10 mm each.

With rainfall forecast to continue through the weekend, authorities expect reservoir levels to improve. However, irrigation officials have advised the Pune Municipal Corporation to continue judicious use of water, noting that the existing stock is sufficient to meet the city’s needs for only about two months if inflows do not improve significantly.

The irrigation department also said there is no immediate plan to resume water releases from Khadakwasla dam into the Mutha canal until reservoir levels recover further.