On Wednesday morning, the collective stock in the four reservoirs in the circle was at 4.42TMC – 0.26TMC more than Tuesday’s stock of 4.16TMC. While an increase of 0.25TMC may not seem like much, it is crucial as it can take care of the city’s water requirement for five to six days, officials said.
All four dams recorded good spells of rain in the 24 hours that ended on Wednesday morning. Panshet and Varasgaon received 97mm and 96mm of rainfall respectively, while Temghar recorded 80mm of rainfall, leading to an accumulation of water in the reservoirs.
Officials from the state irrigation department said that water levels would climb further if the intensity of rain continues in catchment areas for a few more days. The four dams collectively hold 1.7TMC more water stock than the same day last year.
Officials from the irrigation department said the water levels in dams had been continuous declining following scanty rainfall so far.
“This is the first time water levels have gone up in the ongoing monsoon season. The weather department has predicted more rain in and around the ghat sections. We are expecting a further rise in water levels in dams located around Pune. Upstream dams including Temghar, Varasgaon and Panshet have recorded over 250mm rainfall so far,” an official said.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had imposed a once-a-week water cut in the city last month as a precautionary measure. The water cuts are expected to continue till the stocks reach comfortable levels. “We are in touch with the irrigation department on water stocks and rainfall,” officials said.
Heavy spells were recorded at other major dams in the district besides the dams in Khadakwasla circle.
Pavana dam, which supplies water to Pimpri Chinchwad, recorded 28mm rainfall on Wednesday, while Mulshi received 54mm of rainfall. Bhama Askhed dam, which supplies water to the city’s eastern parts, received 20mm of rainfall.
Kolhapur city and the dam catchment areas around it received some drizzle on Wednesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Kolhapur for Thursday and Friday – predicting heavy rain in the ghat areas of the district.
Residents hope there is more rainfall soon so that the dams and lakes in the area fill up soon. Ashok Patil, a resident from Kalamba area, said: “This light drizzle is of no help in increasing depleted dam water levels. Heavy rains should be received in the region for at least a week so that the water storage in dams and lakes will increase. Kalamba lake has almost dried up and awaits heavy rain.”
(With inputs from
Kolhapur)
