Pune, 16th June 2026: The Khadakwasla Irrigation Department released 10.34 TMC of water through the New Mutha Right Bank Canal during two summer irrigation cycles between February 17 and June 13, 2026.
The water was used for both irrigation and drinking purposes, benefiting several rural and urban areas across the district.
The first summer irrigation cycle began on February 17 and continued until March 23, lasting 34 days. During this period, water was supplied to support agricultural activities and local water requirements during the peak summer season.
The second cycle started on March 29 and remained operational until 6 a.m. on June 13. This phase lasted 82 days, taking the total duration of water release through the canal to 116 days across both cycles.
According to officials, the state government had instructed all reservoirs to conserve available water primarily for drinking purposes until August 31. The decision was taken amid concerns that the monsoon could be delayed due to the impact of El Niño, making water conservation a priority.
Executive Engineer Kiran Deshmukh of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department said the canal discharge was stopped on June 13 in line with these directions.
He noted that the 10.34 TMC water release played a significant role in meeting irrigation needs and ensuring drinking water supply during the summer months, when demand across the region was at its highest.