Pune district authorities are considering a 20% reduction in water use from the Khadakwasla dam system and a 10% reduction from Pavana dam to conserve supplies until the next monsoon, District Collector Jitendra Dudi said on Thursday. The proposal is being reviewed as the administration assesses water availability, consumption and the impact of possible dry conditions.
Dudi said the review was being conducted in coordination with the irrigation department, municipal corporations and the Zilla Parishad. The planning is also taking into account the India Meteorological Department’s forecast and the possible effects of El Niño, according to the district administration.
The Khadakwasla dam system currently holds around 88% water stock, while Pavana dam has approximately 95%, Dudi said at a press conference at the Pune Collectorate. Despite these levels, the administration is examining consumption controls to ensure that available supplies last through the period before the next monsoon.
The Khadakwasla system is a key source for Pune’s water planning, while Pavana supports water needs in parts of the district. Any reduction in withdrawals or consumption would require coordination between the district administration, irrigation authorities and civic bodies. The administration has not announced a final implementation schedule for the proposed reductions.
The water review comes as Pune district continues drought-related crop damage assessments across 10 affected talukas. Around 80% of the panchnamas, or crop damage assessments, have been completed, and the remaining work is expected to finish by Sunday, Dudi said.
Officials are visiting farms to assess the actual extent of crop damage. Farmers who have complaints about the assessment process have been asked to approach their respective tehsildars. The district administration plans to submit the assessment details at the earliest to facilitate financial assistance for eligible farmers before Diwali, Dudi said.
The administration is also preparing irrigation rotations for the Rabi season. Priority will be given to crops required for animal fodder, followed by vegetables and perennial crops, according to the collector. The decision will determine how available water is allocated between essential agricultural needs and other uses during the coming season.
Tanker deployment has begun in areas facing shortages. Eight tankers are currently operating across Pune district, including four in Baramati taluka, three in Indapur and one in Daund. The district administration’s next steps include completing the remaining crop assessments, finalising the water-use plan and coordinating Rabi irrigation arrangements with the concerned departments.
