10 of Pune district's 13 talukas declared drought-hit, water shortage likely to worsen

Ten of the 13 talukas in Pune district have been declared drought-affected, and the water shortage is likely to become serious in the coming period. Some parts of the district have a large rainfall deficit, pressure on water sources is growing, and tanker water supply has already begun in some villages. There is fear that the shortage will be more severe this year. The number of villages dependent on tankers is also likely to rise.

Last year, 150 villages in the district had to be supplied water by tanker. In this year's drought, planning drinking water, water for farming and livestock, and fodder is a major challenge for the administration.

Notably, the threat of drought looms even though rainfall was above average. Between June and September 2026, Pune district was expected to receive an average of 824.12 mm of rain. In reality, 869.76 mm was recorded, which is 2.47 per cent above average. Although the district's overall rainfall is satisfactory, it is clear that rainfall varied widely from taluka to taluka.

Maval received 196.52 per cent of its average rainfall, Khed 158.37 per cent and Ambegaon 136.32 per cent. In contrast, Baramati recorded only 63.34 per cent of its average, Indapur 65.91 per cent and Daund 67.43 per cent.

The tanker supply figures for the past four years show that the severity of the water shortage has changed from year to year. In 2022-23, 39 villages had to be supplied water by tanker. In 2023-24, the number rose sharply to 203. It then fell to 90 in 2024-25. In 2025-26, however, 150 villages again had to rely on tankers. The increase over the previous year is about 66.7 per cent.

According to the 2025-26 figures, 33 villages in Purandar taluka, 30 in Ambegaon, 28 in Junnar and 18 in Khed had to be supplied water by tanker. These talukas will therefore need special attention, and the present condition of their water supply schemes needs to be checked.

A review will be needed of well water levels, available water sources, water supply schemes that are out of order, and how many alternative sources are available. After this review, it is necessary to prepare in advance a list of villages likely to face a shortage.