Kolhapur : Facing drought-like conditions and acting on state govt’s water-conservation directives, the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to enforce a 10% in water supply from Oct 16.
The KMC currently lifts about 200 to 210 million litres of water daily (MLD) for supply to the city.
Municipal commissioner Rajendra Bharud said the state water resources department (WRD) has issued an advisory asking local bodies to take measures to conserve water. The civic body is also considering alternate-day water supply for Kolhapur city and its suburbs, possibly before Diwali.
“The El Nino effect is expected to continue until Aug 2027, while rising temperatures in Oct could lead to higher evaporation and further strain available water resources. “Accordingly, the KMC will implement a 10% reduction in water supply from Oct 16. The govt has also directed that 30% of water used for commercial activities such as construction and vehicle servicing be reused,” Bharud added. The decision is necessary as water stored in Kalammawadi and Radhanagari dams needs to last until Aug 2027,” he said. “Normally, the water stock in Kalammawadi lasts only until around June 10.
This year, we also need to account for higher evaporation due to heat. “After the elections, discussions would be held with public representatives to decide whether alternate-day water supply should be introduced before or after Diwali. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolhapur | Silver Rate in Kolhapur | Bank Holidays in Kolhapur | Public Holidays in Kolhapur Stay updated with the latest Kolhapur news.
The proposed restrictions aim to reduce consumption and ensure equitable distribution during the dry period,” he said. The KMC would hold a meeting with Credai representatives to explore the use of treated sewage water from STP plants at construction sites and servicing stations. If water use is properly planned, we can avoid a shortage next year,” he added, appealing to the residents to use water judiciously. Civic squads will also intensify action against illegal water connections and unauthorised tap holders. Download the TOI App.
The KMC has organised a special camp on Wednesday for residents to regularise unauthorised water connections.