Pune: A silent standoff is intensifying between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Water Resources Department over excess water consumption, compounding the city’s summer water woes. The department has accused the PMC of drawing water beyond its permitted quota, even levying penalties on the civic body for repeated violations.
As Pune’s population expands rapidly, the demand for water has surged, putting immense pressure on the existing supply. Although the PMC has made multiple appeals for an increased quota, the Water Resources Department has yet to grant any additional allocation. Faced with this denial, PMC has at times resorted to using more water than its sanctioned limit of 14.67 TMC, attracting financial penalties.
Recently, the Water Resources Department sent a formal letter to PMC urging strict conservation and rational water use. The directive comes at a time when the civic body is already struggling to provide adequate supply across the city, especially in suburban pockets where around 1.5 lakh residents now depend on water tankers.
The demand for tanker water has surged drastically — from 38,299 trips in March 2024 to 47,896 in March 2025, an increase of nearly 9,600 trips. As the heat intensifies, the department’s directive to cut water consumption has further strained the PMC’s ability to meet growing needs.
Despite an order from the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority to reduce water usage by 10% compared to last year, the city’s consumption has instead risen. This non-compliance has triggered fresh warnings and penalties from the department.
Currently, the Khadakwasla Dam — the city’s main water source — holds 9.22 TMC of water, or 31.63% of its total capacity. Of this, 5 TMC is allocated for Pune’s use, and 4 TMC is reserved for agricultural irrigation. Summer irrigation through canals is expected to continue till June 1.
While officials from the Water Resources Department assert that the dam has enough water to serve both urban and rural needs till mid-July, they have also hinted at a likely water shortage as early as May if consumption trends continue unchecked.
Meanwhile, PMC’s water supply department has remained tight-lipped about the issue, as it navigates growing public demand, inter-departmental pressure, and a looming summer crisis.
