3.7 TMC stock in 4 dams enough to meet Pune's needs till mid-July

PUNE: Collective water stock in the four dams of the Khadakwasla circle was recorded at 3.7 TMC (13%) on Monday, 1 TMC lower than last year's 4.7 TMC for the same period, as catchments continue to await heavy showers.
There was no increase in the live water storage in the four dams over the last one week because of subdued rainfall.
State irrigation department officials said adequate stock had been kept in reserve to meet the city's requirements till mid-July.

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) lifted around 1.5 TMC water from Khadakwasla every month. As per calculations, the existing stock of 3.7 TMC could meet the city's water needs for more than a month. However, the irrigation department urged PMC to ensure judicious use of water to avoid reaching a critical situation.
The department was monitoring water levels in all major dams around the city.
An official from the irrigation department on condition of anonymity said, "Collective water stock in four dams in Khadakwasla circle is one TMC lower than last year's stock of 4.7 TMC. Reservoirs are still to receive heavy rain to help increase water levels. Barring Temghar, rainfall in catchments areas of all three major dams - including Panshet, Varasgaon and Khadakwasla - has not touched the 100mm mark. The next three weeks are crucial. We hope rainfall will increase in catchments by the end of June."
Last month, the irrigation department put on hold water discharge from Khadakwasla to rural areas since rainfall activity was yet to gather pace. It would take a decision on resuming supply in the next few days depending completely on rain revival, sources said.
It may be noted that the four dams in Khadakwasla circle can hold 29.15 TMC water. However, the reservoirs had not filled to capacity last monsoon because of less rainfall. Another irrigation department official said catchment areas receive maximum rainfall during the months of July and August.
Meanwhile, water stock in Bhama Askhed dam had dropped to 1.15 TMC (15%) as on Monday. The dam provided water to the city's eastern parts such as Wadgaonsheri, Chandannagar, Lohegaon and Vimannagar. The irrigation department said water supply from the dam had not been curtailed.