Pune Water Cut Plan: 20% Reduction Considered for Khadakwasla, 10% for Pavana; Drought Assessments 80% Complete

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 15th October 2026: The Pune district administration is considering a 20% reduction in water use from the Khadakwasla dam system and a 10% reduction from Pavana dam to ensure that available water stocks last until the next monsoon. Meanwhile, 80% of crop damage assessments in the 10 drought-affected talukas of Pune district have been completed, with the remaining work expected to be finished by Sunday, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Pune Collectorate, Dudi said the administration was reviewing water availability and consumption in coordination with the irrigation department, municipal corporations and the Zilla Parishad. The planning takes into account the India Meteorological Department’s forecast and the possible effects of El Niño.

The Khadakwasla dam system currently has around 88% water stock, while Pavana dam has approximately 95%, according to Dudi. The administration is considering measures to reduce water consumption in view of the need to conserve supplies until the next monsoon.

Crop damage assessments to finish by Sunday
The district administration has completed 80% of the panchnamas, or crop damage assessments, in the 10 drought-affected talukas. The remaining assessments are expected to be completed by Sunday, Dudi said.

The administration aims to facilitate financial assistance to eligible farmers before Diwali. Officials are visiting farms to assess the actual extent of crop damage, and farmers with complaints regarding the assessment process have been asked to contact their respective tehsildars.

The administration will submit the assessment details at the earliest to facilitate the disbursement of assistance to affected farmers, he added.

Rabi irrigation and tanker supply
While planning irrigation rotations for the Rabi season, priority will be given to crops required for animal fodder, followed by vegetables and perennial crops, Dudi said.

Water tankers are being deployed in areas facing shortages. Eight tankers are currently operating across the district, including four in Baramati taluka, three in Indapur and one in Daund.