Victoria Lake water storage at Varvand in Pune district has fallen to 39%, prompting the irrigation department to begin water cuts as uncertainty continues over a fresh release from the Khadakwasla canal system. The declining reserve could affect water supplies to eight villages in Daund taluka, the Janai-Shirsai water-supply scheme in Baramati taluka and the Kurkumbh industrial estate.
The lake is a key water source for several villages in and around Daund taluka. According to the report, below-average rainfall this year has reduced inflows and left the available storage under pressure. The irrigation department has started restricting water use to preserve the remaining reserve.
The affected rural supply network includes eight villages whose Jal Jeevan Mission schemes depend on water from Victoria Lake. The lake also supports the Janai-Shirsai water-supply scheme, which serves areas in Baramati taluka. In addition, the Kurkumbh industrial estate depends on the lake to meet part of its water requirement.
The immediate concern is the absence of clarity over a new rotation, or scheduled release, from the Khadakwasla canal. The report states that no clear indication has emerged on whether water will be released to the lake through the canal system. Without a fresh inflow, the available storage is expected to remain under pressure as demand continues.
The fall in storage creates a planning challenge for the authorities responsible for balancing water demand across domestic, rural-supply and industrial users. The irrigation department must manage the remaining water while maintaining supply to multiple schemes and settlements that rely on the same lake.
For residents of the eight villages, the issue is linked directly to the functioning of local Jal Jeevan Mission systems. Any reduction in the water available to these schemes can affect the planning and frequency of supply, although the report does not specify a revised timetable or the extent of the cuts.
The situation also has implications for the Janai-Shirsai scheme and the Kurkumbh industrial estate, both of which share dependence on the lake’s storage. The competing requirements make accurate accounting of the remaining water particularly important as the reserve continues to decline.
The report attributes the worsening situation to weak rainfall, falling lake storage and the uncertainty surrounding the next Khadakwasla canal release. It states that authorities will need to plan water distribution carefully and promote economical use of the available reserve. Further clarity on a canal rotation and the administration’s water-supply schedule will determine the next steps for areas dependent on Victoria Lake.
