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Journalism of Courage
Citizens in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad — the two cities that were reeling under water crisis till a month ago — need not worry for the next few months as all the five dams, which supply water are more than 80 per cent full.
As on August 7, Pawana dam, which supplies water to Pimpri Chinchwad, is now 82.04 per cent full which last year was 71.47 per cent full on the same day. Similarly Khadakwasla, Warasgaon, Panshet and Temghar have reported much higher water levels compared to the same day last year.
This is an almost 180 degree reversal from the situation a month ago when water levels in dams were low and the chances of water cuts loomed large over the city as well as the district.
The change in the water situation is the result of good rains that Pune and its surrounding regions, especially the ghats, received in July and till the first week of August.
From the onset of monsoon on June 1, Pune so far has received 562.8mm rainfall against the normal average of 560mm.
The district is just above normal in terms of the quantum of rain it has received so far.
On the other hand, Maharashtra has received 637.80mm rain against the normal of 601.10mm it receives during monsoon — a mere 6 per cent increase.
July has been exceptionally good, with most of the state and districts receiving wide-spread rainfall.
Some districts, such as Nanded and Hingoli, reported floods, damaging cultivation on around 25,000 hectares of farmland.
However, the rains post that has been good which has resulted in good growth of crops. Almost all crops have reported good condition, which has lifted the spirit of farmers.
Currently, the monsoon rains have taken a break. August has started on a negative note with most districts reporting large deficit in rainfall.
