Gosikhurd Dam Reaches Full Capacity Amid Totladoh Decline
As Gosikhurd Dam fills to 100%, Nagpur faces dwindling water supplies from Totladoh, prompting infrastructure proposals.
Gosikhurd Dam's storage capacity is now at 100%, a significant increase from last year's 78.21%.
Totladoh's water levels have dropped to 45.39%, down from 99.84% last year.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation is exploring a pipeline project to utilize Gosikhurd's water.
The Gosikhurd Dam has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 100% of its designed live storage capacity of 740.17 million cubic meters as of October 14. This development offers a potential lifeline for Nagpur, where the Totladoh reservoir, a crucial water source for the city, has seen a drastic reduction in its water levels. Currently, Totladoh holds only 461.61 million cubic meters, which is just 45.39% of its total capacity, a stark contrast to last year's near-full levels.
The Water Resources Department's report highlights the alarming decline in Totladoh's storage, which was at 99.84% on the same date last year. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) primarily relies on Totladoh and Kamthi Khairy for its water supply, with Kamthi Khairy currently at 71.83% of its designed capacity. This situation has prompted officials to reassess Nagpur's water supply strategy, particularly its reliance on the Pench-based system.
Mayor Neeta Thakre has indicated that the NMC is revisiting plans to transport water from the Gosikhurd Dam to Nagpur via a pipeline. She plans to present this proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. In a recent meeting, Thakre emphasized the importance of evaluating the city's water resources and implementing conservation measures, including discouraging the use of treated drinking water for non-essential activities.
Currently, a pipeline connects Gosikhurd to Mouda, and the proposed extension would facilitate water transfer to Nagpur. The project, initially estimated to cost around ₹500 crore, will require a new feasibility study to assess the necessary infrastructure, including pumping stations and integration with the existing water supply system. Securing funding and technical approvals will also be crucial for the project's advancement.
In the immediate term, the NMC's focus remains on conserving existing water supplies while exploring the potential of Gosikhurd as a supplementary water source. This initiative aims to bolster Nagpur's long-term water security in light of the challenges posed by declining reservoir levels.
