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Acute water crisis in Pune

     Pune: The residents of Pune in Maharashtra are facing an acute water crisis, as the water table of Khadakwasla Dam has gone down. The depletion of water table is due to rising temperatures leading to abnormal evaporation of water. The Khadakwasla Dam , constructed by the British in 1879, has been the main source of water for drinking, irrigation and industrial use in Pune. This year, the live storage of water is down to 19.5 per cent compared to 22 per cent of last year. "This year, due to rising temperatures and strong sun shine, the evaporation has been more. In the month of February and March, the evaporation ranges bet 3.5 millimeters to 4.5 millimeters. But this year, the percentage has been between 5.5 millimeters to 6 millimeters," said Bharat Yayasa , an assistant engineer, Khadakwasla Dam . The officials of the water department are hoping for a good spell of rain in the coming monsoons months of June that lasts till September, for the water levels to go back to the normal levels. The Khadakwasla Dam is 25 kilometres away from the main city. The dam is 1939 meters in length and 32.81 meters in height. The catchment area of the dam is 501.80 square kilometers. The average rainfall in Pune is 700 millimeters every year. The reliance of Pune on Khadakwasla Dam water has increased manifolds as the population of the city has multiplied over the years at an unprecedented pace.
-May 12, 2009

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