The Indian Express   06.08.2012

Water in 4 dams crosses 50% mark

Following good rainfall in catchment areas of Temghar, Panshet, Khadakwasla and Varasgaon dams, the average water storage in these dams has crossed 50 per cent mark. Due to poor rainfall last month the city and neighbouring towns had to face severe water scarcity. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was in the process of implementing another water cut if it had not rained last week.

A total of 29.14 TMC water can be stored in the four dams. On Sunday the dams had a collective storage of 15.36 TMC water. The estimated water need of the city is 15 TMC.On Sunday, Temghar dam had 1.48 TMC water which is 40 per cent of its capacity. Panshet and Varasgaon dams were filled to 54 per cent and 48 per cent of their capacity holding 5.7 TMC and 6.21 TMC water respectively. Khadakwasla dam is full to its capacity of 1.97 TMC.

“We have started releasing water in the canals for Daund and Indapur towns from Khadakwasla dam. We will continue doing so for at least four-five days,” said Shivaji Bolbhat, executive engineer, Khadakwasla division.However, the 20 per cent water cut that is being implemented by the water supply department of the PMC will continue.

“We are still lifting 1050 to 1100 MLD (Million Litre Per Day) water. Though Khadakwasla dam is full other dams are still half full. We will wait till the total water storage increases to 80 to 90 per cent to start drawing regular quota of water which is 1250 MLD,” said V G Kulkarni, the superintendent engineer and in-charge of water supply department (PMC).Pavana dam that caters to water requirement of Pimpri-Chinchwad is full up to 54 per cent of its capacity. Officials said the water stock in Pimpri-Chinchwad would last for more than six months.