Pavana Dam Storage Crosses 92%, Boosting Water Security For Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pavana Dam Storage Crosses 92%, Boosting Water Security For Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pimpri-Chinchwad, July 23: Continuous rainfall in the catchment area has significantly improved water levels in the Pavana Dam, with live storage reaching 92.27%, offering much-needed relief to Pimpri-Chinchwad and surrounding regions ahead of the remaining monsoon season.
Pawana Dam is the primary source of drinking water for Pimpri-Chinchwad, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area, several municipal councils, and villages in Maval taluka. Just a month ago, delayed monsoon rains had caused the reservoir level to drop to around 16%, prompting the Water Resources Department to impose a 15% water supply cut from June 19.
Following the restriction, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) reduced daily water supply by one to one-and-a-half hours in several parts of the city to conserve available resources.
Fresh rainfall over the past few days has led to a sharp rise in the reservoir’s storage. Since June 1, the dam’s catchment area has received 1,814 mm of rainfall. On the corresponding date last year, the reservoir had recorded a storage level of 77.80%, indicating a stronger recovery this monsoon.
Despite the encouraging rise in water levels, authorities have decided to continue the existing 15% water cut. Officials said the reservoir has not yet reached full capacity, and concerns over uncertain rainfall patterns, including the possibility of an El Niño impact later in the season, have prompted a cautious approach to water management.
The Water Supply Department has indicated that the restrictions will be reviewed only if the reservoir reaches 100% capacity by October. Until then, residents have been urged to use water judiciously.
PCMC will also continue its alternate-day water supply system, introduced in November 2019 to ensure equitable distribution of water across the city. While the system has helped manage supply, residents in some areas continue to report issues such as low pressure and irregular water availability. Officials said the arrangement will remain in place until additional water becomes available through the Bhama Askhed project.
Meanwhile, the civic body is moving ahead with the Pavana Pipeline Project, which aims to transport raw water directly from Pawana Dam to the water treatment plant at Sector 23 in Nigdi. The project is expected to improve the efficiency of water transmission while reducing the risk of contamination.
Pimpri-Chinchwad currently has an estimated population of 3.8 million, with a daily water demand of around 655 million litres (MLD). The city receives approximately 520 MLD from the Pawana River, 100 MLD from the Indrayani River and 30 MLD through MIDC sources. The sanctioned water allocation of 776 MLD is expected to meet the city’s needs until 2029.
However, with the city’s population projected to grow rapidly in the coming decades, officials estimate that daily water demand could rise to 949 MLD by 2031, 1,638 MLD by 2041, and 2,328 MLD by 2051, highlighting the need for long-term investments in water infrastructure and resource management.
