Pune: Every reservoir supplying water to Pune city is now brimming, effectively washing away concerns of water cuts until at least summer. In contrast, neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad has continued with alternate-day supply and 15% additional water cut despite Pavana dam, its primary water source, almost hitting the 100%-mark.Temghar dam, the last holdout in the Khadakwasla circle, finally reached its full storage capacity of 3.7 TMC late on Tuesday night, taking combined storage across the four reservoirs to 29.15 TMC (100% of collective capacity). Bhama Askhed, the main water source for Pune’s eastern suburbs, had already reached its capacity last week.The turnaround has been nothing short of dramatic. Just two months ago, Pune city stared at an uncertain future as reservoir levels dwindled, monsoon rain remained elusive and fears of an El Niño-induced rainfall deficit loomed large. The situation became serious enough for Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to enforce alternate-day water supply from mid-June. Then July arrived with relentless heavy rain, rapidly replenishing reservoirs and transforming a looming shortage into a season of abundance.PMC had lifted water supply restrictions ahead of the Palkhi processions on July 9 and never looked back. Since then, the city has continued to receive daily water supply, and officials on Wednesday confirmed there was no proposal to reintroduce water cuts. “Water supply will continue as per the regular schedule across the city,” a PMC official said.In case of Pune Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, sources in the administration said the civic body was yet to take a decision on withdrawing the restrictions.What makes this year’s recovery more significant is the pace at which the dams filled up. “On the corresponding day last year, the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle held around 26 TMC of water, nearly 3 TMC short of their combined capacity,” an irrigation department official said on Wednesday citing official data.Residents, however, should not mistake full reservoirs for uninterrupted supply. PMC water supply department officials said temporary shutdowns might still be required for maintenance and repair works. A daylong disruption at the SNDT water supply unit on Wednesday, linked to valve maintenance, affected parts of Kothrud, Paud Road, Aundh and Bopodi.Kharadi resident Sanjay Dole said water supply had remained erratic despite the dams being full. “The administration must improve supply, as storage levels are strong. PMC should ensure proper distribution and address low-pressure issues,” he said.Dinesh Mate, a resident of Khadakwasla, said, “Even though we live closest to the dam that supplies water to the city, residents still don’t get adequate water. Daily supply continues to be a major concern. We hope the situation improves this year.”
