Pune: As June ends with minimal monsoon rainfall, the state irrigation department has warned Pune Municipal Corporation to prepare for stricter water rationing, citing just 3.65 TMC (about 12.5% of capacity) storage across the four Khadakwasla-circle dams. This is nearly 11 TMC lower than last year’s 14.5 TMC (50% of capacity) stock recorded on the same date.Officials said this was not just a seasonal dip, but the lowest storage recorded in the past three years. “We are closely tracking reservoir levels, but the situation offers little comfort. Across the Bhima basin, major dams have failed to register any meaningful rise, as rainfall remains subdued. In fact, most dam catchments have not even crossed the three-digit rainfall-mark this June, with only Mulshi, Pavana and Gunjawani managing to exceed 100mm,” an irrigation department official said.The strain extends beyond the Khadakwasla circle. Other vital reservoirs supplying water to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are also running low — storage in Bhama Askhed stands at 28%, Pavana at 17% and Andra at 25%.“We are yet to witness a sustained spell of rainfall in the catchments. Though the rainfall activity has picked up this week, the challenge remains. Current reserves are being protected strictly for drinking water. July and Aug are critical. A continuous week of rain could revive dam stocks. But if the subdued trend continues, stricter restrictions will be unavoidable,” the official said.Memories of 2022 linger as a cautionary tale. That year, storage levels had plunged below 3 TMC by June-end before heavy July rainfall brought relief. Officials said history might repeat itself, but only if the skies opened up in time. Traditionally, the region receives the bulk of its rainfall in July and Aug.On the ground, the crisis is already being felt. PMC has enforced a 25% water cut via alternate-day supply across the city. Yet, even these measures may prove insufficient. In a sign of mounting concern, Pune mayor Manjusha Nagpure has directed officials to explore the possibility of artificial rain. Corporators have made it clear — if the rains don’t arrive soon, tougher restrictions are inevitable.Across Maharashtra, story is no differentAt the end of June, the total water stock in 138 major dams across six divisions stood at just 21% — less than half of last year’s 46%. Regions like Pune, Konkan, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are facing acute deficits. Only Nagpur and Amravati divisions have managed to hold ground, with storage levels comparable to last year.As the monsoon inches forward, all eyes are now on July — a month that could either rescue the reservoirs or deepen the crisis.As of Tuesday, Khadakwasla held 15% storage as against 34% last year, Panshet 17% (46% last year), Varasgaon 12% (53% last year), Temghar nil (36% last year), collective stock 3.6 TMC (12.5%) vs last year 14.5 TMC (50%), Bhama Askhed 28% (42% last year), Pavana 17% (58% last year), Andra 25% (70% last year).
