Pune to get water every alternate day after Diwali as half of annual quota is already used

A serious water crisis looms over Pune. The municipal administration has decided to supply water on alternate days across the city as soon as Diwali ends. Residents will now have to plan their water use afresh.

The Canal Advisory Committee met recently under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar. Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne were present. The meeting reviewed Pune's water quota. The municipal administration has taken this policy decision to avert the acute shortage ahead.

Pune has been sanctioned an annual quota of 13.5 TMC of water. According to the municipal corporation's figures, 6.35 TMC of it has been used since July 1. As a result, the city has only 7.15 TMC left until June 30, 2027, a period of the next eight to nine months. Given the growing population and large daily demand, this remaining stock is very likely to fall short.

This year, under the influence of El Nino, rain fell well short in the state. The expected rainfall did not come in August and September, the main monsoon months. Water had therefore to be released from the dams for rabi crops and drinking water in rural areas. Taking this situation seriously, the state government has directed a 20 per cent water cut.

The Khadakwasla dam chain currently holds 24 TMC. Even so, given evaporation, leakage and the water released in rotations for rural areas, the city must stay within its limit.

So that residents are not inconvenienced during the festival days, regular water supply will continue as usual until Diwali. Once Diwali is over, the corporation will strictly implement the alternate-day supply plan. The administration has appealed to residents to use water very sparingly and avoid wastage.