Final decision on supply cuts this week in consultation with IMD: Pune civic body

PUNE: Civic officials said the Khadakwasla circle’s collective dam stock was 3.7 TMC and the probability of water cut was not high considering the current availability, but a decision would be taken this week in consultation with the India Meteorological Department.
A senior official of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said the areas within the civic limits need around 1.5 TMC water till July 15.He said this should be possible based on the current storage in the four dams of the Khadakwasla circle, which provide water to PMC areas. “The need for water cuts may not arise,” he said.
PMC officials said irrigation data showed that the four dams had 3.7 TMC storage. Nearly 0.5 TMC would be discharged for the Wari procession. The remaining 3 TMC would be for drinking water supply and agriculture.
Also, areas dependent on Ujani dam for water would not turn to Pune for water since there had been a good spate of rainfall in Ujani’s catchment areas in the first two weeks of June. “This is a relief for Pune,” said a PMC official. “June began with good showers both in PMC and catchment areas. Though there is a lull now, there is no need to panic. We urge citizens to use water judiciously. If no rainfall takes place in the next fortnight, we will have to consider water cuts,” said the official.
Last year, the PMC had introduced Thursday water cuts from May and till July. In June, Kharadi and nearby areas received alternate day supply and it was extended to other parts of the city subsequently.
Head of PMC’s water supply department said, “A meeting of senior civic and IMD officials will be held this week. The future course of action will be decided based on the outcome.”