MLAs oppose release of water from district dams to Ujani dam

The order states that water should be released from Bhama Askhed, Chaskaman, Mulshi and Andra dams from the first week of November.

Ujani Dam

With Pune city and rural areas grappling with water shortage, the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority’s (MWRRA) October 26 order on equitable distribution which had directed Pune district dams to release 10 TMC water to Ujani dam in Solapur district which has been opposed by MLAs of Shirur and Khed.

The order states that water should be released from Bhama Askhed, Chaskaman, Mulshi and Andra dams from the first week of November.

BJP MLA from Shirur Baburao Pacharne and Sena’s Khed MLA Suresh Gore held a press meet in the city to oppose this directive and have stated that they would appeal against the order in the Bombay High Court.

[related-post]

Pacharne said Pune district dams have only 60 per cent storage and the water has been stopped for irrigation.

“We will not allow the dams to run completely dry with no water being allotted for farmers in the district,” he said.

“Moreover, the livestock and dead stock is above 60 per cent for Ujani dam and giving 10 TMC from these dams would compromise water for rural areas as well as the city,” he added.

Gore added that considering the present situation, giving water to other districts would only make it more difficult for Pune.

The MLAs have decided to approach the HC on the issue and stop the order from being implemented. The irrigation officials have yet to get a copy of the decision and the MLAs have threatened agitation to stop the order.

For Pune city a water cut was introduced and there were deliberations that water should be released from Bhama Askhed and Mulshi dams.