Pune: PMC Assures Adequate Water Supply Despite Technical Glitches; Urges Citizens to Conserve

Pune, 7th April 2024: Pune city is currently grappling with a burgeoning water crisis, evident in the escalating demands of its residents. Technical glitches in certain areas have exacerbated the situation, leading to localized shortages. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) water supply department assures citizens that there’s no cause for alarm, emphasizing that the dams supplying water to the city hold sufficient reserves until July 15.

The primary water source for the city, the Khadakwasla Dam chain, currently holds a little over 12 TMC of water. Of this, 2.5 TMC has already been allocated for agricultural purposes, with an additional 2.5 TMC awaiting release. The Water Resources Department of the Government of Maharashtra has cautioned the PMC that approximately one TMC of water may evaporate due to the intensifying summer heat. Despite this, the PMC remains committed to managing the water supply effectively to mitigate the impact of the crisis on Pune’s residents.

Pune City is anticipated to require five and a half TMC of water by July 15, indicating ample water reserves in its dams. Recent days have witnessed a significant spike in temperatures, with some suburban areas breaching the 40-degree mark. Consequently, there has been a substantial surge in water demand, prompting the deployment of water tankers in both suburban and central areas like Katraj, Kondhwa, Kothrud, Karve Nagar, and Yewalewadi. Technical glitches at the Wadgaon Water Purification Centre had caused water supply issues in certain regions, but these have since been rectified, ensuring smooth water distribution, as confirmed by Nandkishore Jagtap, head of the Water Supply Department of PMC.

In light of escalating demands and potential technical disruptions, the PMC urges citizens not to fret over water shortages. Nandkishore Jagtap further elaborated, stating, “PMC is currently drawing approximately 1,470 MLD of water from the Khadakwasla dam, a figure which had been temporarily reduced to 1,420-1,425 MLD through various measures. However, the recent surge in demand has necessitated an increase back to 1,470 MLD. Leakages in the water distribution network have been identified and repaired, ensuring adequacy at the current rate. Nonetheless, if summer intensifies further, water demands may escalate. With the Khadakwasla project’s water status in mind, there’s a potential risk of only one TMC of water remaining by July 15 should the monsoon delay. Consequently, PMC has imposed restrictions on commercial water usage and mandated the utilization of treated sewage for construction purposes.”