Khadakwasla 93% full, but water cuts to continue

Though the incessant rainfall has helped the Khadakwasala dam fill up to 93% of its capacity, there is no respite for Puneites from water shortage.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will continue imposing water cuts in the city, despite the corporators demanding its withdrawal.

Poor rainfall over the past two years had compelled the civic body to impose water cuts in the city since March 2012. The city had received around 1,000 million litre water per day after the 20 per cent water cut was imposed. Later, after the water level in the dams increased during last year’s monsoon, PMC reduced the water cut further and the supply was increased to 1,100 MLD.

PMC’s water department head VG Kulkarni said, “We are not thinking of withdrawing the water cuts soon.”

The officials are waiting for the four dams, i.e. Khadakwasala, Panshet, Warasgaon and Temghar, to fill to its capacity and then consider the withdrawal of water cuts.

A civic official said, “Though Khadakwasla dam is 93% full, the other three dams are yet to reach the 90% mark. The civic body has to plan the water supply for the whole year and hence as of now the water cuts will remain.”