Pune Water Crisis: Rainwater Harvesting Systems Ignored by Housing Societies Despite Shortages

Pune, 19th April 2026: Even as water scarcity begins to affect several parts of the city, rainwater harvesting systems in cooperative housing societies are largely being neglected, raising concerns over groundwater depletion and sustainability.

According to civic observations, many housing societies are not maintaining or effectively utilising rainwater harvesting systems beyond availing property tax rebates. These systems, which are meant to recharge groundwater levels, are often found non-functional or poorly maintained.

The issue has become more pressing as newly merged villages and suburban areas have started experiencing water shortages as early as February, leading to a rise in demand for municipal water supply. Despite this, one of the most effective solutions—rainwater harvesting—continues to be overlooked.

Rainwater harvesting systems have been mandatory for construction projects approved after 2006. The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) building department grants completion certificates to developers only after verifying the installation of such systems. Additionally, societies equipped with rainwater harvesting, waste management projects, and solar panels are eligible for a 5 percent rebate in property tax.

However, officials indicate that while initial inspections are conducted before issuing completion certificates, there is little follow-up once the property is handed over to housing societies. In some cases, societies actively maintain the systems, ensuring groundwater recharge and reducing dependence on water tankers for several months. But many others fail to carry out routine maintenance, such as replacing filters or ensuring proper functioning of recharge wells.

As a result, several societies continue to rely heavily on water tankers throughout the year, despite having installed rainwater harvesting infrastructure.

Civic authorities also face criticism for not conducting regular inspections. Thousands of societies reportedly continue to claim tax rebates by projecting their systems as operational, even when they are not. Once the rebate is granted, there is no consistent verification by the concerned departments to check whether the systems remain functional.

Data for 2025–26 shows that 766 societies have installed rainwater harvesting systems, while 4,811 property holders are availing related tax benefits.

Speaking on the issue, Pravin Shende, Superintending Engineer of the PMC building department, said that inspections are conducted before issuing completion certificates. However, he acknowledged that regular monitoring remains a challenge due to staff shortages. He added that societies must take responsibility for maintaining these systems, while the civic body will focus on increasing awareness about their importance.

Experts warn that without strict monitoring and proper maintenance, the objective of rainwater harvesting—to improve groundwater levels and reduce water scarcity—will remain largely unfulfilled.