Pune, May 21, 2025 — In a development that has raised significant concern among residents and officials alike, Bhatghar Dam in Pune district has reached its dead storage level, marking a critical point in the region’s ongoing water crisis. With the live storage exhausted, authorities have begun emergency operations to manage the situation as communities brace for a difficult summer.
Constructed on the Yelwandi River, Bhatghar is one of the major dams serving Pune district, primarily catering to irrigation and drinking water needs in the Bhor, Purandar, Baramati, and surrounding talukas. The current crisis, precipitated by deficient rainfall during the 2024 monsoon and rising summer temperatures, has put enormous pressure on the region’s water resources.
Sharp Drop in Water Availability
Officials from the Maharashtra Water Resources Department confirmed that the reservoir has dipped to dead storage, rendering it incapable of supplying water through normal gravity-based mechanisms. This status significantly limits water availability for both agricultural and domestic use.
“We are currently relying on emergency pumping methods to draw whatever water is available. However, the quantity is insufficient for sustainable supply,” a senior irrigation official stated.
As of mid-May, over 250 water tankers have been deployed daily across villages affected by the shortage. In several regions, alternate-day or once-in-three-day water supply schedules have been implemented. Residents have expressed frustration, citing unpredictability and delays in tanker delivery.
Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life
The situation is particularly dire for farmers. Thousands who depend on the Bhatghar Dam for crop irrigation are now facing imminent losses. With the Kharif season approaching and no sign of pre-monsoon showers, many farmers fear crop failure.
“This year’s sugarcane and vegetable cultivation are under threat. We have no option but to pray for early rain,” said Dattatray Jadhav, a farmer in Bhor taluka.
Domestic life in the affected talukas is also under strain. Households are being forced to ration water usage strictly, with residents prioritizing drinking and cooking over bathing or washing.
Government Response and Mitigation Measures
In response to the crisis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar convened a high-level meeting with district officials on Monday. Key decisions included the installation of temporary pumping systems, redistribution of water from nearby dams like Varasgaon, and monitoring tanker logistics to ensure equitable distribution.
“We are treating this as a top priority. Efforts are underway to augment supply and reduce hardship. Citizens are urged to use water judiciously,” Pawar said in a statement.
Authorities are also exploring the feasibility of tapping into groundwater reserves, although concerns remain about over-extraction and sustainability.
Climate Concerns and Long-Term Solutions
Experts have pointed out that the situation highlights broader issues of climate change, erratic rainfall patterns, and unsustainable water management. Hydrologist Dr. Meena Deshpande from Savitribai Phule Pune University commented, “The drying up of Bhatghar Dam is a wake-up call. There must be accelerated investment in rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and better demand management.”
She also emphasized the need for urban planning policies that reduce water dependency on single sources and improve resilience to extreme weather events.
Conclusion
As Pune and its neighboring talukas reel under the strain of the Bhatghar Dam crisis, the immediate focus remains on ensuring water supply for basic needs. However, the unfolding emergency underscores the pressing need for sustainable water management and climate-resilient infrastructure in Maharashtra’s drought-prone regions.
