Pune’s Looming Water Crisis: Understanding the Threat of Depleting Groundwater and Dam Levels

Navigating the Challenges and Solutions Amidst Escalating Water Scarcity Concerns

Pune, a city already burdened with multifaceted challenges, is now confronted with an impending water crisis. As the summer season intensifies, residents grapple with mounting difficulties in securing their daily water requirements, despite concerted efforts towards rainwater harvesting and appeals for conservation. Following the footsteps of Bengaluru, Pune finds itself on the brink of severe water scarcity, attributed to plummeting groundwater levels and diminishing reservoir capacities across the district.

The primary culprit behind this alarming scenario is the rampant extraction of groundwater post-monsoon, severely hampering the natural replenishment of water sources. Compounding the issue is the precarious state of dams critical to Pune’s water supply network. With collective reservoir storage plummeting to 45.90 percent, equivalent to 13.38 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet), compared to last year’s 54.17 percent storage totaling 15.80 TMC, the city faces an imminent water crisis.

Key Insights into Dam Levels:

1. Khadakwasla reservoir: Currently at 54.39 percent capacity (1.07 TMC).
2. Panshet reservoir: Recorded at 48.10 percent capacity (5.12 TMC).
3. Temghar reservoir: Alarmingly low at 9.11 percent capacity (0.34 TMC).
4. Warasgaon dam: Standing at 53.40 percent capacity (6.85 TMC).
5. Mulshi dam: Supplying water to Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park and outskirts, presently at 45.88% storage (9.13 TMC).
6. Pawana dam: Catering to PCMC areas, currently at 46.17% storage (3.93 TMC).

Addressing the Concerns:

In response to the escalating crisis, District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, in consultation with Pune Municipal Corporation officials, has advocated against immediate water cuts for the city. Instead, the focus is on resolving water supply grievances, particularly in areas grappling with low-pressure supplies.

With the looming threat of water scarcity, concerted efforts are imperative to implement robust water management strategies and promote sustainable practices to mitigate the crisis. Collaborative initiatives between authorities, stakeholders, and citizens are pivotal in navigating through the challenges posed by depleting water resources.