Due to the likelihood of below-average rainfall this year, a 15 percent water cut will be implemented in the municipal limits of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad starting April 9, Thursday, and continuing for the next few months. The decision has been taken by the Water Resources Department and will also apply to industrial units under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in areas such as Hinjewadi, Chinchwad, and Kurkumbh. Officials estimate that this reduction will help conserve around two TMC of water. The move comes as a precautionary step amid concerns over reduced rainfall and aims to ensure sustainable water availability across urban and industrial regions.
The Water Resources Department has warned that it will wait for eight days to observe action taken by the municipal corporations, failing which, strict measures will be initiated. Pune receives water supply from the Khadakwasla project, which includes Khadakwasla, Temghar, Varasgaon, and Panshet dams, while Pimpri-Chinchwad depends on water from the Pavana dam. Typically, sufficient water is reserved in these reservoirs for drinking purposes until July 31 each year, considering the arrival of the monsoon in June. However, this year, an initial estimate suggests rainfall could drop by nearly 40 percent due to the impact of El Niño, prompting early conservation measures.
As per state government norms, water stock in dams is maintained until July 31 to meet urban needs. Pune Municipal Corporation currently consumes around 1,560 million litres of water daily, translating to approximately 1.65 TMC per month. With the 15 percent cut now in effect, residents will receive only about 1,200 to 1,300 million litres per day starting Thursday. This reduces the city’s monthly water allocation to nearly 1.3 TMC. Authorities believe this controlled supply will help extend water availability for the coming months, especially if rainfall remains insufficient during the monsoon season.
“Every year, water is reserved for drinking purposes for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities until July 31. However, due to the expectation of reduced rainfall this year, water will now be reserved until August 31 as per the instructions of the Water Resources Minister. The water saved through this cut will be used by residents in the coming months,” said Kiran Deshmukh, Executive Engineer of the Khadakwasla project. “We have received a letter from the Water Resources Department regarding the reduction in water supply. The municipal corporation will focus on proper planning and water conservation. There are around 1.5 lakh unauthorized water connections in the city, leading to nearly 25 percent water loss or theft. Efforts are underway to curb this, and a discussion with the department is scheduled on Friday,” said Naval Kishore Ram, Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation.