Amidst apprehensions of looming water cuts in Pune following the culmination of Lok Sabha elections, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has delivered a sigh of relief to its residents by confirming that no such measure is imminent in the foreseeable future.
Nandkishor Jagtap, the head of PMC’s water supply department, has allayed concerns by assuring citizens of the ample water storage in dams. Additionally, the promising forecast of heavy rainfall by the meteorological department has further bolstered hopes of uninterrupted water supply in the coming months.
A crucial meeting convened at the divisional commissioner’s office on Friday, attended by key stakeholders including municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosle and Sunanda Jagtap from the irrigation department, delved into the pressing issue of potential water cuts. The collective deliberation emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring adequate water availability amidst prevailing circumstances.
The recent dip in rainfall had triggered apprehensions about water scarcity, prompting urgent discussions on water management strategies and the potential imposition of water rationing measures. However, a judicious approach was adopted, taking into account the impending Lok Sabha and legislative assembly elections to safeguard public access to essential resources like water.
Presently, the Khadakwasla dam boasts a substantial water reserve of 6.58 TMC, supplying the PMC with 1,485 MLD daily. This reservoir is poised to sustain the city for approximately three months, accounting for allocations towards Daund’s drinking water needs and evaporation losses. Moreover, an additional 0.84 TMC of water has been earmarked for the upcoming Palkhi ceremony, underscoring the municipality’s proactive stance in addressing water requirements.
Plans are also underway to construct five new reservoirs, a strategic initiative aimed at fortifying Pune’s water security infrastructure. The anticipation of an early monsoon further augments prospects of replenishing water reservoirs, assuaging concerns about potential shortages.
However, challenges persist, exacerbated by the recent inclusion of villages into municipal limits, which has exacerbated water scarcity in certain areas. The PMC’s water planning endeavors have encountered hurdles due to insufficient storage capacity in the dam network, necessitating concerted efforts towards resolution.
To address the crisis, the water supply department has implemented a series of measures aimed at conserving water resources. Notably, efforts to identify and rectify leakages have resulted in substantial savings of 180 MLD since November last year. Furthermore, redirecting 174 MLD of water through closed pipelines has further bolstered conservation efforts.
In light of these developments, Nandkishor Jagtap emphasized the significance of prudent water usage and conservation efforts. While no immediate plans for water cuts are in place, residents are urged to remain vigilant and conscientious in their water consumption habits. A subsequent meeting of the canal committee slated after June 1 will further chart the course for water management strategies, underscoring the PMC’s commitment to ensuring sustained access to this vital resource for all Pune residents.
