Nagpur readies 10% water cut as Totladoh and Kanhan reservoir levels fall

Nagpur's water supply could be affected in the coming days. Water levels in the Totladoh and Kanhan reservoirs are falling steadily. The state government has directed a 10 per cent cut in water distribution, and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has since begun its preparations.

The final decision on when and how the cut will be implemented is yet to be taken. It will be made after a review meeting chaired by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. According to sources, the meeting will discuss the current condition of the reservoirs and the city's needs. Only then will it be decided whether the 10 per cent cut is to be imposed.

Nagpur district has received only 64 per cent of its average rainfall this monsoon season. Poor rainfall and the possible impact of El Nino have increased pressure on the state's reservoirs. Given the situation, the government has said drinking water supply should be given top priority. It has also directed that 10 per cent of the total available water be set aside for emergencies.

The city receives about 740 million litres of raw water a day, or 740 MLD, from the Totladoh reservoir and the Kanhan river. After treatment, the water is delivered to different parts of the city. As pressure on the supply system grows, the biggest challenge before the administration is how to manage the available water properly.

The figures on wastage are also worrying. According to water distribution data, about 259 MLD of water in the city every day earns no revenue. The reasons cited are leaking pipelines, water theft, illegal tap connections and supply given without billing. Curbing such a large loss is not an easy task for the corporation.

If the cut is imposed, residents may have to use water carefully. Saving water and measures to stop leakage will then become very important.