Pune’s Water Supply at Risk: Khadakwasla, Panshet, Temghar, and Varasgaon Dams at 61%

Pune, 30th January 2024: The Khadakwasla, Panshet, Temghar, and Varasgaon dams, vital sources of water supply for Pune city, are currently at only 61% water storage, raising concerns about potential water shortages soon. This is a notable decline from the same period last year when the water storage stood at 72.62%.

Despite heavy rains during the current year, the water levels in these dams are lower compared to the previous year. Khadakwasla Dam, the primary supplier for Pune city, currently has a water storage of 61%. Ujani Dam, responsible for supplying water to Solapur, is reported to have 0% water storage.

As of now, Khadakwasla Dam holds a total of 1.99 TMC of water storage, with 8.30 TMC in Panshet, 8.02 TMC in Varasgaon, and 0.48 TMC in Temghar, resulting in an overall water storage of 61.77% or 17.99 TMC. In comparison, at the end of January last year, the Khadakwasla dam chain held 21.18 TMC, equivalent to 72.62% water storage.

The declining water levels have prompted authorities to emphasize water conservation measures. Plans for drinking water distribution will be discussed in the canal committee meeting scheduled for the end of July. The water resources department is closely monitoring dam water storage, and an appeal has been made to the Pune Municipal Corporation to use drinking water judiciously. Residents are encouraged to conserve water to mitigate potential shortages in the coming months.