Totladoh Reservoir Water Levels Hit 49.85%, Lowest Since 2019
The Totladoh reservoir's water storage has plummeted to 49.85%, raising alarms for Nagpur's water supply.
Totladoh reservoir's storage is at its lowest in four years.
A proposed 10% water cut could reduce Nagpur's supply to 666 MLD.
Other regional reservoirs are also experiencing significant depletion.
Water levels in the Totladoh reservoir, a vital component of Nagpur's water supply system, have fallen to 49.85%, marking the lowest point in four years. This decline poses a significant threat to the city's water availability, as the Pench system, which includes this reservoir, contributes approximately 70% of the daily water supply of 740 million liters per day (MLD).
The current situation is alarming, especially with a proposed 10% reduction in water supply set to take effect on October 16. If implemented, this cut would equate to a loss of nearly 74 MLD, potentially dropping the city's water availability to around 666 MLD. The designed capacity of the Totladoh reservoir is 1,016.93 million cubic meters (MCM), but as of October 7, it held only 506.99 MCM, a stark contrast to previous years when it was nearly full.
Data from the Water Resources Department reveals that the reservoir was at 99.92% capacity in 2025, 99.45% in 2024, and 98.45% in 2023. The drastic reduction of about 509 MCM in just one year highlights the severity of the water crisis. Currently, 520 MLD of Nagpur's water supply is sourced from the Pench treatment plants, while 220 MLD comes from the Kanhan treatment plant.
The depletion of water levels is not limited to Totladoh; other reservoirs in the region are also facing significant reductions. For instance, Kamthi-Khairi was at 78.16% capacity on October 7, down from 98.43% the previous year. Similarly, Khindsi is at 66.17%, and Nand at 84.54%, both showing substantial declines compared to last year. With the demand for water remaining constant at 740 MLD, the drop in Totladoh's storage leaves little room for error in the coming months.
Looking ahead, officials have assured that drinking water will remain a priority, and the proposed reduction does not necessarily imply a full 10% cut in drinking water supply. However, with the situation continuing to evolve, residents and authorities alike must prepare for potential challenges in water availability as the dry season approaches.
