PUNE: Eighteen of the 25 dams in the Bhima basin, including five supplying water to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, have filled to their capacities towards the fag end of the monsoon period following continuous rainfall in catchment areas in the last few days, resulting in water discharge from five reservoirs, including Dimbhe, Kalmodi, Bhama Askhed, Andra and Kasarsai
Confirming the development, the state irrigation department on Thursday said the water stocks at the 18 dams were being maintained at full capacities for now. Officials said water was being released only when rainfall increased in the catchment areas.
“We are near the end of the monsoon period, so stocks are being maintained at full capacities. We have instructed the authorities to release water only when necessary,” a senior official of the state irrigation department said.
The department expects rainfall to continue in the catchment areas of the dams in the coming days as monsoon withdrawal was yet to be announced.
“Most dams in Bhima basin received good rainfall during July and August, after which the intensity of showers dropped. Last year, the monsoon had continued till last week of October. We are hoping that the dams will receive rainfall for the next few days as the monsoon is yet to begin its withdrawal. Delay in withdrawal of monsoon helps us to maintains better water levels in dams,” he said.
Data with the department showed that collective stock of water in the four dams in the Khadakwasla circle, which supply water to Pune, was at 98.7%, while storage in Bhama Askhed dam was at 100%. The stock in Pavana dam was also at its full capacity.
Popatrao Shelar, deputy engineer at the irrigation department, said, “We are monitoring water levels in the dams. Release from Panshet and Varasgaon has been stopped, while Khadakwasla is releasing water into the Mutha canal. The stock in dam has been reduced to 80% to accommodate water released from Panshet and Varasgaon. Pavana dam was releasing water for power generation at 1,300 cusecs.” Meanwhile, the collective stock in 35 major dams in Pune division was at 96% on Thursday.
