Nagpur likely to face water cuts as Totladoh and Kanhan reservoirs fall to half

The water crisis in Nagpur is deepening by the day, and residents may soon face supply cuts. With levels in the Totladoh and Kanhan reservoirs falling steadily, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has begun preparing to reduce water supply.

The state government has directed that 10 per cent of the available water be kept in reserve. As a result, the city's supply is likely to be cut by up to 10 per cent. The final decision will be taken after a review meeting chaired by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Nagpur district has received only 64 per cent of its average rainfall this monsoon. The shortfall has directly affected the Totladoh and Kanhan reservoirs. The effect of El Nino has added to concerns over water availability in the state. In view of the likely shortage, the state government has asked that 10 per cent of the available water be reserved for emergencies. The corporation has started planning water supply accordingly.

The city receives about 740 MLD of raw water daily from the Totladoh and Kanhan rivers. However, about 35 per cent of it, or 259 MLD, is wasted through leakage, theft, illegal tap connections and billing irregularities.

The corporation is repairing water pipelines and trying to regularise illegal tap connections. The administration claims these measures are saving 50 MLD of water a day.

If a 10 per cent cut is imposed, daily supply will fall by 74 MLD. With a large quantity of water already being wasted, the cut could cause hardship to citizens. Mayor Neeta Thakre has also made it clear that the decision on a water cut can no longer be put off.

Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will review the situation on Saturday. He said a detailed study is under way to determine how large the cut will be. Residents of Nagpur now await the final decision of the corporation and the state government.