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‘No water shortage, but demand for tanker supply has increased’, says civic body as mercury soars in Pune

The PMC will instruct the construction sector, washing centres, and gardens not to use treated water for their needs, says Nandkishor Jagtap who is in charge of Pune’s Water Supply department.

The PMC has issued public appeals to citizens to use water judiciously, Nandkishor Jagtap: said.

The rising mercury levels in Pune have made its residents dependent on water tankers to meet their daily needs as supply from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proven to be insufficient. The Indian Express spoke to Nandkishor Jagtap, chief engineer and in-charge of the Pune’s Water Supply department, on the current crisis:

Has Pune been witnessing a surge in water tanker services? If so, why?

Nandkishor Jagtap: The month of March saw 47,896 trips in which tankers carried water from civic facilities, a rise of 25 per cent from the previous month. Comparing it with March last year, the number of tanker trips has increased by around 9,500 this year. The number of water tanker trips has increased not because of water shortage but mainly because of the increase in demand for water due to the rising heat in the city.

Has any other reason affected water supply?

Nandkishor Jagtap: Increased consumption by citizens disturbs the water supply system, especially affecting the supply to localities situated at higher places and in suburban areas where they are unable to get sufficient supply. Breakdowns in the supply system, power distribution issues and damages to pipelines are also affecting the civic water supply. Maintenance works have to be taken up frequently, for which the respective areas have to be shut, which also affects the supply.

What measures are being taken to tackle the present situation and to deal with possible water shortages in the ongoing summer season?

Nandkishor Jagtap: The PMC has issued public appeals to citizens to use water judiciously. It is done every summer. We will soon issue a public notice on checking water wastage. The civic body will instruct the construction sector, washing centres and gardens not to use treated water supplied by the PMC for their needs, in a bid to ensure that the water lasts longer for domestic purposes till the start of monsoon.

Is there any plan to impose water cuts in the city?

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Nandkishor Jagtap: The district administration will hold a review meeting on the water situation. The guardian minister, water resources department, and civic body will take a decision on water management accordingly. If directions are issued to PMC to use less water, then it will be publicly announced.

Pune is witnessing rapid growth and a realty boom. Considering the scarcity of water in summer, why shouldn’t there be limitations on the growth of real estate?

Nandkishor Jagtap: There is no law to limit real estate growth due to water issues. The PMC is already working on exploring new sources of water to meet the city’s future demand. Growth is inevitable and cannot be stopped. Thus, to meet the water demands of the city’s increased population, we plan to draw water from the Mulshi dam. Currently, Pune city meets its water supply needs from Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar dams which are on the Mutha river’s upstream side. The city also gets water from the Bhama Askhed dam to meet the water needs of its northern region.

Are there any other issues that citizens should be aware of?

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Nandkishor Jagtap: We have received some complaints that residents are receiving messages asking them to pay their water bills on a specific link or face discontinuation of supply. The PMC never sends such messages, so we appeal to citizens not to fall prey to it. The civic administration will soon write to the cyber crime department of the police to tackle the issue.

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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