MP Questions 15% Water Cut Despite Full Pavana Dam

Even as Pavana Dam has reached 100% storage capacity and water is being released into the river, Pimpri-Chinchwad residents continue to face a 15% cut in water supply, prompting Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne to question the civic administration’s decision.

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Barne demanded that the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) immediately withdraw the water cut, alleging that the continued restriction is forcing thousands of residents to depend on expensive private water tankers.

The MP claimed that despite the dam being full and the Pavana River flowing at high levels, citizens are still receiving inadequate water supply with low pressure. According to him, many housing societies continue to spend lakhs of rupees on tanker water, placing an unnecessary financial burden on residents.

“With Pavana Dam completely full and water being released downstream, why has the 15% water cut been retained? Citizens are being forced to rely on tanker water while the administration is indirectly benefiting the tanker lobby,” Barne said.

He also accused the civic administration of failing to address long-standing water management issues. According to Barne, the city continues to suffer 30–35% water leakage despite investments in smart water meters, the SCADA monitoring system, and pipeline replacement works under the AMRUT scheme.

“The administration has failed to stop water leakages and the tanker lobby even after spending heavily on modern infrastructure. Instead of correcting its own mistakes, it continues to impose a 15% water cut on citizens,” he alleged.

Barne further pointed out that water is being lifted at full capacity from the Ravet barrage while the Pavana River is flowing strongly. He urged the Municipal Commissioner to immediately revoke the water cut and ensure uninterrupted water supply across the city.

15% Water Cut to Continue

Although residents expected the restriction to be withdrawn after the reservoir crossed nearly full capacity, the PCMC Water Supply Department has clarified that the 15% water cut will remain in force unless the dam maintains full storage until October. If water levels decline before then, the restriction may continue.

Alternate-Day Water Supply Continues

Pimpri-Chinchwad has been receiving water on an alternate-day schedule since November 25, 2019, introduced under an equitable water distribution policy. More than six years later, the arrangement continues, with residents frequently complaining about irregular supply, low pressure, and inadequate water availability.

The Water Supply Department has stated that the alternate-day supply system will continue until water from the Bhama Askhed Project becomes available.

Warning for Residents Along Pavana River

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department has issued an alert to residents living along the Pavana River, warning that additional water may be released from the dam as rainfall continues in the catchment area and surrounding hill regions. Citizens have been advised to remain cautious and avoid entering the riverbed.

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