Pune: The Khadakwasla Irrigation Department has formally proposed transferring control of the pumping station at Khadakwasla Dam, currently operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), to the irrigation department.

The move has sparked concerns within the PMC as it could impact water supply to significant parts of the city.

Pune depends heavily on the Khadakwasla Dam for its water supply, alongside the Bhama Askhed Dam.

The pumping station at Khadakwasla facilitates water distribution through pipelines connected to Parvati’s old and new water treatment facilities, Warje waterworks, and Jackwell infrastructure.

The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority had previously issued orders for the pumping station to be handed over to the irrigation department. Following this, the department recently sent an official communication to the PMC, seeking compliance.

The PMC currently uses more water from Khadakwasla Dam than its sanctioned quota to meet the city’s needs. This excess consumption results in penalty payments to the irrigation department.

If the pumping station is transferred, the PMC would lose operational control over the facility, leading to uncertainty about whether the city would continue receiving adequate water.

An official from the PMC stated, “We are yet to make a decision on this matter as we need to ensure that the city’s water requirements are met consistently.”

The situation has raised apprehensions about the implications of such a transfer on Pune’s water supply management and the challenges of ensuring sufficient resources for the growing urban population.