Pune Dams Reap Benefits of Recent Rains | water levels increased
Pune Dams Reap Benefits of Recent Rains | water levels increased
Recent heavy rains have significantly boosted the water levels in Pune’s four main dams, adding 1.65 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) in just three days. This increase equals more than a month’s water supply for the city. Currently, the collective storage in Khadakwasla, Temghar, Panshet, and Varasgaon stands at 7.4 TMC, which is 25% of their total capacity of 29.15 TMC. This mirrors last year’s storage on the same date.
Khadakwasla dam alone received 34mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning, with Temghar, Panshet, and Varasgaon receiving between 36mm and 40mm during the same period. Officials from the state irrigation department noted consistent rainfall in the dam catchment areas, although heavy downpours are still awaited. They emphasized that the current levels, while improved, are only a quarter of total capacity, with hopes pinned on more rainfall in the coming weeks.
Typically, these dam catchments receive an average of 2,000mm to 2,500mm of rainfall during the monsoon season. However, this year, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar have yet to reach the 1,000mm mark. Officials expect the peak rainfall months of July and August to make up for this deficit.
Pavana and Andra, key contributors to the dams’ catchment areas, received 36mm and 25mm of rainfall respectively by Tuesday morning. While the intensity of rainfall decreased later in the day, officials stressed the importance of continued prudent water management by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
While recent rains have provided a substantial boost to Pune’s water reserves, authorities caution that sustained rainfall in the catchment areas remains crucial to ensure an adequate supply for the city’s needs in the months ahead.
