Pune Water Concerns: Detailed Update (as of October 2, 2026)
Image: Ai generated for Punetv
Pune Water Concerns have reached a critical point as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has formally written to the Water Resources Department (Irrigation Department / पाटबंधारे विभाग) requesting that 21.34 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water be reserved for the city for the financial year 2026-27.
Key Reasons Behind Pune Water Concerns
- Rapid urban expansion and population growth: Pune’s municipal limits expanded significantly with the merger of 11 villages in 2017 and 23 more in 2021. These newly included areas are also supplied water by PMC, increasing overall demand. The city’s population (including floating population) has grown substantially.
- Uncertainty due to possible El Niño effect: Officials have flagged the risk of reduced or irregular rainfall next year because of a potential El Niño influence. This could affect dam storage levels and create water shortages during summer
- Current water usage vs sanctioned quota: PMC has historically drawn more water than its official sanctioned quota (often around 14.6 TMC in previous years) to meet actual needs. The civic body wants the higher amount formally reserved to avoid future supply issues.
Current Situation
- No water cuts implemented yet: There is ongoing discussion at the state level about a possible 10% water cut in urban areas across Maharashtra. However, PMC’s Water Supply Department head Nandkumar (or Nandkishor) Jagtap has clarified that no official government order for cuts in Pune has been received so far. Regular water supply continues.
- PMC has submitted its water budget/estimate for 2026-27, but the Water Resources Department’s corresponding budget has not yet been received by the civic body.
- Water is currently being released from Khadakwasla Dam into the Mutha Right Bank Canal for rabi (winter) crop irrigation. PMC has requested coordinated planning that balances city drinking water needs, canal rotations, and other uses.
What PMC Has Asked For
In its letter (sent around September 30), the civic body requested:
- Clear indication of water availability for 2026-27
- Proper allocation considering dam storage and canal rotations
- Provision of the department’s water budget
- Advance planning to reserve necessary water for Pune to prevent summer shortages
Broader Context
Pune relies mainly on the Khadakwasla dam complex (along with Pavana and other sources). The city has faced recurring quota disputes for years, with PMC frequently seeking higher allocations (previously 21 TMC or more) while the department has approved lower amounts. Additional measures under discussion include greater reuse of treated wastewater from STPs for non-drinking purposes (especially for large construction projects) and long-term options like drawing extra water from Mulshi Dam.In short: While there is no immediate crisis or cut right now, PMC is proactively seeking formal reservation of a higher water quota to prepare for population growth, newly merged areas, and possible rainfall uncertainty next year. Any future cut decision will be taken only after receiving an official state government order, in consultation with the Commissioner and political leaders.
What This Means for Pune Residents
The gap between the sanctioned quota and the actual water drawn highlights a critical need for efficient water management in Pune. As the city prepares for the 2026-27 financial year, the PMC is urging citizens to adopt water-saving habits. Simple steps like fixing leaking taps, using bucket baths instead of showers, and rainwater harvesting can significantly reduce the daily demand. The administration is also exploring long-term solutions, including new pipeline infrastructure and stricter enforcement against illegal water connections, to ensure the city’s growing population has reliable access to clean water.
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