Pune Water Crisis: PMC Imposes Cuts as Khadakwasla Reservoirs Hold Just 4 TMC
Pune, 20th June 2026: With water storage in the Khadakwasla dam chain falling significantly compared to last year, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has defended its decision to impose water cuts, saying the measure is necessary to ensure that the available stock lasts until adequate monsoon inflows arrive.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said the Khadakwasla reservoir system currently holds around 4 TMC of water, compared to nearly 7 TMC during the same period last year. Given the reduced storage levels, the civic administration has introduced water rationing and appealed to citizens to use water judiciously.
Nagpure acknowledged that complaints of low-pressure water supply are being received from several parts of the city. She said the administration is making efforts to address these issues and ensure equitable distribution of the available water.
According to PMC’s Water Supply Department, around 1,450 tanker trips were being operated daily before the water cuts were introduced. Following the implementation of the alternate-day water supply schedule, the number of tanker trips has increased to 1,665 per day to meet demand in water-scarce areas.
Meanwhile, water scarcity has intensified in Bhimanagar in Ghorpadi following the introduction of the alternate-day water supply system. On Friday, local women staged a road blockade protest, accusing the administration of failing to provide adequate water to the area.
Residents claimed they have been facing irregular and inadequate water supply for several years and that repeated complaints and protests have failed to bring a lasting solution. They warned of intensified agitation if regular water supply is not restored soon.
Nagpure said the civic administration will conduct a comprehensive review of the water supply situation after 15 days of implementing the water cuts. Based on the assessment, further decisions regarding water conservation measures and future supply planning will be taken.
“The Khadakwasla dam system currently has only 4 TMC of water available. Citizens should use water carefully. Efforts are underway to resolve complaints of low-pressure supply, and the situation will be reviewed after 15 days before any further decisions are taken,” she said.
