Pune : Water holding capacity of Khadakwasla Dam reduced

Khadakwasla Dam on the Mutha River is the main source of water for the residents of Pune. As per a recent study by Naam Foundation, the Dam had a water-holding capacity of 3.75 TMC which has now been reduced to 1.75 TMC.

A meeting with the canal committee will be held in the upcoming month in which water storage, evaporation and drinking water will be reviewed.

The main reason for this issue is the increasing population in Pune. In the years 2017 and 2021, 34 new villages have become a part of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) causing a tremendous increase in population and a reduction in water supply. It has become difficult to repair the canals running from Khadakwasla Dam which leads to leakages. The increase in population on both sides of the canals led to garbage, washing clothes, etc which polluted the water.

To overcome this issue, the PMC has created a water budget which also demands that the quota of water received from the Water Resources Department shall be increased which is still in progress. Moreover, a Jackwell Pump House is being constructed behind the Khadakwasla Dam and creating a pressure pipeline between Khadakwasla Dam and Parvati Water Solution with the aim to meet the water demand of the residents of Pune City.

“Priority will be given to drinking water and the remaining water will be given to agriculture,”  stated Ajit Pawar, present Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister.