Pune: Final Decision on Water Supply Cuts This Week, Says Municipal Corporation

PUNE: PMC officials have stated that the Khadakwasla circle’s collective dam stock currently stands at 3.7 TMC, suggesting that the likelihood of immediate water cuts is low given the present availability. However, a definitive decision will be made this week after consultations with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for rain forecasts.

A senior official from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) indicated that areas within the civic limits require approximately 1.5 TMC of water until July 15. Based on the current storage in the four dams of the Khadakwasla circle, which supply water to PMC areas, this demand appears manageable. “The need for water cuts may not arise,” he commented.

According to PMC officials, irrigation data shows that the four dams have 3.7 TMC of storage. Approximately 0.5 TMC is earmarked for discharge during the Wari procession, leaving 3 TMC for drinking water and agricultural use.

Additionally, regions that rely on the Ujani dam for water will not need to seek water from Pune, thanks to substantial rainfall in Ujani’s catchment areas during the first two weeks of June. “This is a relief for Pune,” said a PMC official. “June started with good showers both in PMC and catchment areas. Although there is a current lull, there is no need to panic. We urge citizens to use water judiciously. If no rainfall occurs in the next fortnight, we will have to consider water cuts,” the official added.

Last year, the PMC implemented Thursday water cuts from May through July. In June, areas like Kharadi and nearby regions received an alternate day supply, which was eventually extended to other parts of the city.

The head of PMC’s water supply department stated, “A meeting of senior civic and IMD officials will be held this week. The future course of action will be decided based on the rain forecasts.”