Pune, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community, is on the brink of a severe water crisis. The Khadakwasla dam, the lifeline of Pune’s water supply, is rapidly dwindling, signaling an impending disaster for its residents. Social activist Avinash Khandare has sounded the alarm, urging authorities to take immediate action to avert a potentially catastrophic situation.
The diminishing water levels at the Khadakwasla dam, Pune’s primary water source, pose a significant threat to the city’s water security. With scanty rainfall in the previous year, water storage in the dams has plunged, leaving only 10 Thousand Million Cubic feet (TMC) of water, including allocations for agriculture. This translates to a mere 6 TMC available for drinking water purposes, painting a grim picture for Pune’s residents.
Khandare, a prominent advocate for social causes, has appealed to the municipal commissioner to intervene urgently. He emphasizes the critical need for proper scheduling and conservation of water resources to mitigate the impending crisis. Khandare warns against political interference, particularly with the looming general elections, which may prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Every year, decisions regarding water distribution are contingent upon reservoir levels. However, Khandare fears that the specter of elections may exert undue pressure on the administration to supply water without implementing necessary cuts, exacerbating the crisis further. As such, he implores the municipal commissioner to devise comprehensive plans for water supply and conservation.
