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.
