Water cuts to hinge on predictions this summer

The irrigation department is now keeping a close watch on the May forecast to make their decision.

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“Last week, the Met department had given its outlook for the monsoon. The irrigation department will closely watch the May forecast for the season, as well as onset of monsoon over Kerala and its progress to the interiors of the country before deciding on any stringent measures like imposing water cuts on the city. If the monsoon onset happens in July, then Puneites may have to face a water cut,” said Superintending Engineer of the Khadakwasla division Atul Kapole.

Officials said they had adequate water stock for the city to last till July 15. Last year, the onset was at the end of June and officials said if the onset breaches the first week of July, they have a water cut plan ready.

There is another another reason why the situation could be bad if the onset of monsoon is delayed. Water stored in the four dams that supply water to the city is less than last year’s quantity. On April 27 last year, the storage was 8.66 TMC (29.69 per cent). This year it is 7.94 TMC (27.23 per cent).

As far as water cuts are concerned, civic officials and the district administration have currently issued no directives.

They said that as of now they are comfortable with the available water levels. “Post the onset of monsoon, we will be issued fresh directives,” officials said.

As of now, three dams have water. Water in Temghar dam was emptied into the Khadakwasla reservoir to carry out repairs in Temghar dam. And despite that, the water level in Khadakwasla is lower than what it was at this time of last year, said irrigation officials.