How Did the Robust Rains Till Now Impact the Water Stock in Pune? City’s Dam Levels Tell a Surprising Story
Pune, June 18, 2025: After an exceptionally wet May—the city’s wettest in a decade—and continued heavy showers in June, Pune’s dams and reservoirs have seen a remarkable turnaround. But just how much have these rains improved the city’s water security? The latest dam storage data reveals some unexpected trends, with certain reservoirs surging ahead while others still lag behind.
Pune’s Key Dams and Their Water Supply Roles
1. Khadakwasla Dam Cluster
The Khadakwasla dam cluster, comprising Panshet, Warasgaon, Temghar, and Khadakwasla, is the primary water source for areas under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
- Khadakwasla Dam acts as a buffer between the downstream Mutha River and the larger four-dam system. Its water levels fluctuate daily based on water releases into the Mutha River.
- Panshet, Warasgaon, and Temghar are the major storage dams that feed into Khadakwasla.
2. Mulshi Dam (Managed by Tata Power)
Located west of Pune, Mulshi Dam discharges water into the Mula River, which flows through Maan and Hinjawadi before entering Pimpri Chinchwad and merging with the Mutha River at Sangam. This dam primarily supplies water to the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park (Maan-Hinjawadi cluster) and parts of Pimpri Chinchwad.
3. Pavana Dam
Situated near Lonavala, the Pavana Dam releases water into the Pavana River, which flows into Pimpri Chinchwad. It is the main water source for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
2025 vs. 2024: A Dramatic Improvement in Water Levels
Current Water Storage Levels (As of Today)
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the water storage in Pune’s major dams:
Key Takeaways
Here’s how Pune’s dams compare to last year’s storage levels:
Key Takeaways
✔ Khadakwasla leads the recovery – At 61.51%, it’s nearly 20% higher than last year.
✔ Mulshi & Warasgaon show massive gains – Both up by ~17%, a huge relief for IT parks and PMC areas.
⚠ Temghar remains a concern – Despite improvement, it’s still below 6%, making it the weakest link.
What Does This Mean for Pune’s Water Security?
While the heavy rains have significantly boosted water reserves, experts warn:
- Temghar’s low storage could strain supply if monsoon weakens later.
- Conservation remains crucial—Pune’s growing population means demand is rising.
- Further rains needed to ensure reservoirs reach comfortable levels before the dry season.
The Bottom Line
Pune’s dams are in a far better position than last year, but the city isn’t out of the woods yet. With cautious optimism, authorities are monitoring inflows while urging responsible water use.
A Word of Caution
However, this increased level of water in the dams around Pune also could be disastrous as the heaviest part of the rainy season in July is yet to come and if the dams are already nearing capacity by that time, there will be flooding in the city as the water will have nowhere to go but flow downstream.
