Pune, 3rd August 2026: Khadakwasla dam chain witnessed its strongest July rain in the last five years, with the combined storage of all four reservoirs increasing by 24.54 TMC between July 1 and August 1. During the same period last year, the increase was only 10.67 TMC, making this year's recovery the best in recent years.
The sharp rise follows an exceptionally wet July after a relatively weak June, when the southwest monsoon failed to gather momentum. Two spells of intense rainfall during July significantly improved water availability across the catchment, ensuring a comfortable drinking water supply for Pune.
The Khadakwasla catchment recorded 562 mm of rainfall during July this year, a sharp increase from 133 mm received in the same month last year.
Among the four reservoirs:
Khadakwasla Dam: Storage increased by 1.58 TMC
Panshet Dam: Storage rose by 8.61 TMC, the highest July increase in five years
Varasgaon Dam: Added 11.09 TMC, also the highest in the last five years
Temghar Dam: Recorded a 3.26 TMC increase, slightly lower than 3.38 TMC recorded in July 2024
Together, these reservoirs registered the highest July storage gain since 2021.
Officials said the monsoon's uneven distribution highlights a changing rainfall pattern, where prolonged dry spells are followed by short periods of extremely heavy rain. Despite the delayed start to the season, the intense rainfall in July was enough to fill the reservoirs quickly, with water releases becoming necessary from the dam chain.
"June received very little rainfall, but around 15 days of intense showers in July rapidly filled the reservoirs, forcing water releases. This changing rainfall pattern reflects the impact of climate variability and El Niño. At present, Pune's drinking water supply is secure, and there is no immediate concern over water availability," said Pravin Kolhe, Superintending Engineer, Pune Irrigation Circle.
Meanwhile, the Khadakwasla Irrigation Division has announced that 24,277 cusecs of water will be released from the Khadakwasla Dam spillway into the Mutha River at 12 noon today.
Authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid entering the riverbed and follow all safety instructions until the discharge operation is completed.