14 May,2009 08:57 AM IST | | Agencies
Puneites 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 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 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 between 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. But this year, the percentage has been between 5.5 mm to 6 mm." 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.
