Pune: Water level in Pavana dam rises to 97 per cent

On Monday, a group of 12-15 college students was seen on the shore, paying little heed to warnings. Only two constables were on duty at the main wall.

Pavana dam, the lifeline of Pimpri-Chinchwad, has seen a massive turnaround in water storage. From a lowly 10 per cent in June 30, the dam recorded water storage of 97 per cent on Tuesday, bringing respite to residents, who had to get alternate water supply for three months.

Pavana dam executive engineer Manohar Khade said that after the dam is filled up to 98 per cent which could happen by Wednesday as there was hardly any rain on Tuesday, officials would start releasing water. “Last week, we had released 3,100 cusecs. After the rain intensity decreased, we stopped releasing water. Now, we would start releasing it only after it reaches the 98 per cent level,” he said.

Last year, the dam had only 80 per cent water storage. “This was by October 15. The water lasted till April. From May, as the dam level went down drastically, PCMC had to go for alternate day water supply,” a civic official said.