Will Pune Have Water Cuts? From Khadakwasla to Panshet: Current Water Levels In Dams Supplying Pune And Pimpri Chinchwad | Representative Photo
As the summer is hitting the door of the city with heightened temperatures, demand for water will surge in the city. Meanwhile, the quartet of dams supplying water to Pune is currently at 53.40% against 50.80% in 2024, as of March 11.
Official records reveal that the cumulative water storage of the Khadakwasla reservoir stands at 70.24% as of March 11, against 51.99% in 2024. Panshet reservoir is at 57.58%, while Temghar stands at 11.88%. Additionally, the Warasgaon dam stands at 59.35% capacity.
While Pavna’s water level lies at 52.83% and Kasarsai at 48.69%, Mulshi stands at 52.98%.
Water cuts in Pune?
Residents of Pune are dealing with shortened water delivery hours and poor pressure, even though the Canal Advisory Committee promised there would be no water shortages or supply cuts in the city. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) appears to have instituted an unauthorized water curtailment, which is causing concern. It is difficult to save water regularly since residents from various localities have complained about weaker water flow and shorter supply durations. Residents of Kothrud and Erandwane are dealing with decreased water pressure and fewer hours of supply. Water was previously provided until nine in the morning, but it is now cut off at eight.
Low pressure is making it difficult for residents in Gokhalenagar, Janwadi, and Wadarwadi to fill water storage tanks. Although water is provided from 8 PM to 1 AM, homeowners must remain up late to get enough water because of the low pressure, which prevents storage tanks from filling up.
The water situation in Pune looks uncertain amidst the PMC’s disputes with the Irrigation Department. Recently, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, ordered the PMC to pay Rs 100 crore in arrears, but the PMC is only willing to pay Rs 44 crore initially. The PMC and the irrigation department have been at odds over the dues for many years. The PMC claims that the irrigation department charged extra fees that the civic body did not accept. Last month, the department had warned the civic body to pay dues for lifting water from the dam or face consequences.
The situation underscores the looming uncertainty surrounding water availability in Pune in the coming months. However, during a recent meeting of Pune Municipal Corporation officials, District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar asked to supply sufficient water to Pune city. Pawar instructed that Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations should plan water usage strictly until July 15, 2025.
Instead, he urged the administration to prioritize addressing water supply complaints from residents in areas experiencing low-pressure supply.
