Pimpri: Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has said that there is no need for water cuts as of now. But delayed rains could result in water cuts. 

He said, “Rainfall has been inadequate in the catchment areas of the Pavana Dam in the Maval area. It did not rain in June. Only 294 mm rainfall has been recorded. The dam has 18 pc water storage. There is no need of water cuts now. But if rains are delayed, water cuts will be implemented.”

The industrial towns get water supply from the Pavana and Andra dams in the Maval area. However, the city depends mainly on the Pavana Dam for water. Following rising complaints, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) started the alternate-day water supply from November 25, 2019. Though a temporary measure, it has been implemented for the past 4.5 years. The civic body has planned to bring 267 MLD water from the Andra and Bhama dams considering the rising population of the city and its needs till 2045. A water treatment plant has been built on eight hectares in Chikhali to purify this water. 

Water is being supplied to merged-area residents after lifting water from Nighoje weir, which is fed with the Andra Dam water. But complaints of water shortage are increasing with the rising population. The city is mostly dependent on the Pavana Dam. But in the absence of heavy showers, only 294-mm rainfall has been recorded till date while the water storage in the dam is merely 18.14 pc. It will last till July 20. Last year on this day, the storage was 20.16 pc and a rainfall of 423 mm was recorded then. Light showers have been reported in the catchment areas for the past three days. However, a big wet spell is still awaited. If it does not rain in July, water cuts will be implemented.

Shekhar Singh said, “At present, there is no need of water cuts. But a decision will be taken considering the situation. The met office has predicted good rainfall in July.”