The recent spell of monsoon rains across Pune and its surrounding regions has led to a substantial rise in water levels within key reservoirs critical to the district’s water supply and agricultural sector. The meteoric increase in rainfall, particularly evident in catchment areas such as Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, has catalyzed a notable surge in reservoir capacities, offering a promising outlook for water availability in the months ahead.
Among the pivotal dams supporting Pune’s water requirements—Khadakwasla, Temghar, Varsagaon, Panshet—statistics reveal a mixed bag of outcomes compared to the previous year. Notably, Panshet reservoir has reported a capacity rise to 34.04% as of July 13, a marked improvement from 28.03% during the same period last year. Similarly, Temghar now stands at 20.35%, up from 16.07% a year ago, showcasing a commendable upward trend in water retention. Conversely, Khadakwasla and Warasgaon dams have experienced marginal declines, currently at 49.60% and 20.76% respectively, compared to 50.19% and 27.77% recorded last year. Meanwhile, Pavana dam, serving Pimpri-Chinchwad, has encountered a decrease to 21.62% from 26.38% last year, underscoring localized variations amidst the overall regional improvement.
Recent precipitation data highlights the vigor of the ongoing monsoon, with Lonavala recording a substantial 193 mm, while Mahabaleshwar received 144.8 mm, rejuvenating reservoirs crucial to Pune’s water supply infrastructure. Areas proximal to key reservoirs, including Temghar, Warasgaon, Panshet, and Khadakwasla, received noteworthy rainfall ranging from 50 mm to 105 mm over the past 24 hours, further fortifying water reserves and augmenting agricultural prospects. This resurgence in monsoon activity across Maharashtra not only addresses immediate water concerns but also augurs well for sustained agricultural productivity in the region. The increased water levels in Pune dams are expected to alleviate pressure on water resources, ensuring a more secure water supply for both urban and rural sectors. As the monsoon season progresses, stakeholders anticipate continued replenishment of reservoirs, thereby fostering resilience against water scarcity and bolstering agricultural resilience in the region.
