Journalism of Courage
Irrigation officials say dams catering to Pune city have storage of water till July 20. While the irrigation department has not yet written to the civic body voicing concern, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has hinted at the need of taking “stringent measures” by June 25.
“We have adequate water till July 15 and maximum up to July 20. We have not asked the civic body to introduce any water cut. Presently, we have storage in four dams at 6.93 per cent as against 16.68 per cent last year during the same period,” said an irrigation official.
Among four dams that supply water to the city , Panshet has a storage of 1.25 TMC, Varasgaon is at 0.08 TMC, Khadakwasla at 0.69 TMC and Temghar has dipped to zero according to irrigation officials.
“We were at double the storage ( at this time) last year as against 6.93 per cent this year. We should have water to last till July 20 and this should suffice. However, usage is much more than allocated,” said officials. Irrigation officials blamed mismanagement and poor planning. “Uneven distribution and losses in consumption as well as during transit are to be dealt with. PMC is using 1200 MLD as against 600 MLD allowed,’’ said officials.
There was hardly any rain in catchments. Irrigation officials said there was no flow of rainwater reservoirs due to poor rainfall.
