Pune dam water storage across the Khadakwasla reservoir chain has fallen to 23.05 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), or 79.10% of capacity, leaving the city’s main water-supply system 5.27 TMC below the level recorded on the same date last year.
The figures, reported by Sakal – Pune from the 5 pm reading on November 5, cover Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar reservoirs, which supply water to Pune city. On November 5 last year, the four reservoirs together held 28.32 TMC, or 97.15% of their storage capacity. This year’s level is therefore lower by 18.05 percentage points.
Among the four reservoirs, Khadakwasla held 1.20 TMC, equivalent to 60.86% of its capacity. Panshet held 8.02 TMC, or 75.37%, while Varasgaon had 10.78 TMC, or 84.06%. Temghar held 3.04 TMC, representing 82.10% of capacity.
The report said rainfall during the monsoon season, measured from June 1 to November 5, varied significantly across the reservoir locations. Khadakwasla recorded 802 millimetres, while Panshet received 2,355 mm, Varasgaon 2,208 mm and Temghar 3,252 mm.
Despite the lower year-on-year storage, water continues to be released from Khadakwasla for Pune Municipal Corporation. The reported release was 604 cusecs. The figure indicates the continuing daily draw on the reservoir system to meet the city’s municipal water requirement.
The storage position differs across the four reservoirs because each has recorded different rainfall and has a different capacity. Khadakwasla’s level was the lowest in percentage terms at 60.86%, while Varasgaon and Temghar remained above 80% of capacity. The combined figure, however, is the key indicator for the system that supplies Pune.
The latest reading provides a snapshot of the reservoir position at the start of November, but the report does not state any revised municipal water-supply schedule, restrictions or change in the current release plan. For now, the next operational decisions will depend on the reservoir levels and the city’s continuing requirement for water from the Khadakwasla system.
