Pune plans once a week water cut to avert crisis

The city is in for a spell of hot weather as the temperature is expected to cross 40 degrees Celsius in the next few days.

The PMC has clarified that it was against water cuts on alternate days as it disturbs the entire water supply system. (file)

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With the mercury level going up in Pune coupled with the prediction of a delayed monsoon this year, the authorities have proposed a cut in water supply for one day a week in the city. The final decision, however, will be taken in the next few days at a meeting on water management to be chaired by Pune’s Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil.

A meeting of officials of the district water resources department and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was held Tuesday to chalk out steps to handle the possible water crisis in the city.

The city gets water mostly from Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar dams while some parts get water from the Bhama Askhed dam. The available storage in dams is 12.5 TMC, with 7 TMC reserved for meeting the domestic needs of the people in the city, and 5 TMC for irrigation. The rising temperature is likely to evaporate 2 TMC water from the dams in the next few months leading to possible water shortage.

“There was a discussion on the current water situation and possible water scarcity considering the delay in monsoon as well as a prediction of less rainfall this year. Thus, the available water should be used in a way that it should meet the basic demand till August 31,” said a civic officer, who added that the authorities have proposed a water cut once in a week.

The PMC has clarified that it was against water cuts on alternate days as it disturbs the entire water supply system.

“The supply can be halted for a day as it is done during the repair and maintenance work. For the next two months, the water cut can be introduced for a day in a week which can be managed properly by the civic administration,” the officer said.

The municipal corporation also ensured it will work towards reducing consumption by stopping leakages and also stop using water for washing vehicles and construction activities.

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Meanwhile, Pune is in for a spell of hot weather as the temperature is expected to cross 40 degrees Celsius in the next few days. While thunder and lightning are expected, they would not provide relief as the maximum temperature is likely to settle at 39 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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