Pune will initiate an alternate-day water supply schedule starting June 15, as announced by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). This measure comes in response to concerns regarding delayed monsoon rains, decreasing reservoir levels, and forecasts of below-normal rainfall. The Maharashtra irrigation department advised the PMC to reduce daily water usage to extend the existing reservoir stocks through August.

The city’s water supply primarily relies on the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar dams, along with additional resources from the Bhama Askhed and Pawna reservoirs. According to PMC Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, uncertainties regarding the monsoon’s progress necessitated prudent management of available water resources.

In light of these concerns, Nagpure requested residents to minimise unnecessary consumption and actively work to avoid wastage of water.

Alternate Supply Arrangement Until August 20

The newly implemented arrangement for alternate-day water supply is set to continue until August 20. Officials estimate that this initiative could result in savings of approximately 500 million litres of water each day. Currently, Pune requires around 1,600 million litres daily, although actual supply has decreased to about 1,100 million litres.

This reduction in supply aims to safeguard water availability during the peak monsoon months, particularly if rainfall falls short of expectations. At present, the Khadakwasla dam holds only 5.6 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water, of which around 3 TMC is available for municipal use. Authorities believe that these conservation efforts will extend water reserves until at least August 20.

Restrictions under this new policy include a ban on the use of potable water for washing vehicles and filling public swimming pools. Construction projects are also prohibited from using municipal drinking water, with warnings of penalties for those who do not comply. Areas relying on the Bhama Askhed system are currently not facing immediate supply cuts due to existing muddy water issues.

Water-Saving Guidelines Issued to Residents

In an effort to educate the public, the PMC has provided a set of guidelines focusing on water conservation. Residents and institutions are encouraged to use drinking water sparingly, repair leaks promptly, and refrain from using potable water for non-essential tasks such as vehicle washing or cleaning pavements.

Furthermore, the PMC advises that overhead water tanks should be monitored to prevent overflow, and individuals should limit water usage for activities like bathing and washing clothes. Reporting leaks in public spaces to the municipal authorities is also encouraged, along with avoiding potable water for construction activities.

Concerns About Future Water Availability

Officials have cautioned that if monsoon rainfall remains underwhelming, Pune may confront a more severe water crisis in the coming months. Some estimates suggest that the situation could become more dire than during the drought-affected period of 2013-14. The India Meteorological Department has projected that seasonal monsoon rainfall from June to September may reach only about 90 per cent of the average, with further deficits possible in specific regions due to El Niño conditions.

Civic officials confirmed that the effectiveness of the conservation measures would be reevaluated based on rainfall patterns and reservoir inflows in the weeks ahead. The PMC continues to urge residents to actively participate in efforts to conserve water amid these pressing circumstances.

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