Pune: The month of Sept 2026 ended with 1.75 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) less water storage in four dams of Khadakwasla circle, as against its total storage capacity of 29.15 TMC.The deficit is equivalent to the city’s water requirement of more than a month. With monsoon withdrawal around the corner, sources from the irrigation department have said that the chances of replenishing water stock are less. Now, the existing storage will have to be distributed for the city and rural areas in the coming months.State govt has hinted at possible 10% water cuts in cities amid less storage in dams and scanty rain.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started preparing a detailed report on the water quota that will be required during the upcoming winter season, followed by summer. Civic authorities said that though there has been no official announcement from state govt pertaining to water cuts, steps are being taken to decide a plan as a precautionary step.Civic water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap said that the administration has sought a water supply plan from the irrigation department. “We are yet to receive an official communication on 10% water cuts. Once we receive a letter, the same will be discussed with the mayor and office-bearers in PMC to decide on a further course of action. In the meanwhile, PMC has decided to approach the irrigation department seeking details of its plans to supply water to the city and rural areas,” he said.Jagtap added that the city will continue to receive water without any cuts till a further decision is taken. Sources from PMC and the irrigation department, however, said both urban and rural pockets will have to deal with the situation by curtailing water wastage to ensure adequate provision of water till summer.Collective storage in the four dams of Khadakwasla circle on Thursday was at 27.4 TMC (94%), which is the lowest storage at this time of year recorded since 2021. Last year, the four dams had 100% water stock at the end of Sept, and the dams continued to hold the water storage at full capacity till the last week of Oct.The city requires around 18-20 TMC of water annually at the moment. For the next nine months (till June 2027, provided this is the onset of the monsoon), the city will require at least 14-15 TMC of water.
