‘Drought situation has worsened in Pune division’

“At present,1,005 tankers are ferrying water across the five districts of Pune division,supplying water to 752 villages and more than 4,000 hamlets. Every day,there is an increase of 10-15 tankers supplying water,” he said. Solapur district has witnessed the highest number of 421 tankers supplying water to 341 villages.

With the water situation taking a grim turn,Deshmukh said the level of Ujjani dam had dropped to -16 TMC.

“We are currently drawing water from the dead stock of the dam,” he said.

The state government’s plan to buy water from Almatti dam in Karnataka is yet to see light of the day. “Engineers from the Karnataka water supply department had visited Maharashtra to study the technical feasibility of the proposal. Their reports are submitted and the final decision is with the government,” he said.

Deshmukh also announced a series of drought measures for the future,in the form of “Jalukta Gram”. Unlike other watershed development projects for the villages,this project would also include de-silting of dams,wells and their rejuvenation. A total of Rs 1,500 crore would be spent in the division for the various drought proofing mechanisms,he said.

In reply to a specific question,Deshmukh said he would look into the matter of water usage at Gahunje stadium to ensure there is no wastage.