Nagpur: A water cut in Nagpur appears inevitable as dwindling reservoir levels raise concerns over the city’s drinking water security, with mayor Neeta Thakre indicating that Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) will soon take a decision on the extent of the reduction.
NMC has so far refrained from implementing a water cut despite state govt’s directive to reduce water supply by 10% from October 16. It also instructed local bodies to prioritise drinking water and maintain a 10% reserve for emergency requirements, with water management measures envisaged until August 31, 2027. Nagpur currently receives around 740 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water from Totladoh and Kanhan river. A 10% reduction would mean cutting daily supply by approximately 74 MLD, posing a challenge for the civic administration. Nearly 35% of the city’s water supply, or around 259 MLD, falls into this category. The civic body claims to be saving around 50 MLD daily through leakage repairs and the regularisation of unauthorised water connections. Totladoh, the city’s principal source of water, is holding just 34.36% of its designed live storage, against 93.90% on the corresponding date last year. Khindsi is at 36.37%, compared with 90.53% a year ago, while Kamthi Khairy stands at 57.34%, against 72.10%.
A decision on water cuts will have to be taken, but we are studying the extent of reduction that can be implemented,” Thakre said. “The govt has issued directions regarding water cuts. State govt issued the directive against the backdrop of deficient rainfall and the anticipated impact of El Nino on water availability. NMC has been focusing on reducing non-revenue water (NRW), which includes losses caused by pipeline leakages, unauthorised connections and other distribution inefficiencies. However, the actual savings and their sustainability will be crucial in determining whether NMC can limit the extent of a water cut. Water conservation measures include repairing leakages, regularising illegal connections and discouraging the use of treated drinking water for non-essential purposes such as vehicle washing and road cleaning.
However, with water levels in major reservoirs significantly lower than those recorded during the corresponding period last year, the civic body is studying how much supply can be curtailed. Reservoir levels have deteriorated sharply compared with last year. Guardian minister and state revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will convene a review meeting on Saturday to assess the situation and discuss the city’s preparedness to tackle the looming water shortage. Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will review the situation on Saturday.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news. The outcome of Saturday’s review is expected to provide greater clarity on the timing and extent of the proposed water cut. NMC will have to balance the need to conserve dwindling reserves with the requirement to ensure an uninterrupted drinking water supply to residents. Download the TOI App.