Pune Water Crisis: PMC Says Alternate-Day Supply to Continue for 3 Months as Dams Remain Low
Pune, 23rs June 2026: Even as the southwest monsoon officially arrived in Pune on Monday, June 22, weak weather conditions are unlikely to bring significant rainfall to the city in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for light rainfall till June 26, while forecasts indicate that rainfall activity is expected to remain subdued at least until the end of the month. Against this backdrop, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Monday said there is no alternative to the ongoing alternate-day water supply, with current water stock sufficient for only the next three months.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will have to continue alternate-day water supply for the next three months due to low water availability and an unfavourable rainfall forecast, Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said on Monday.
Addressing the PMC general body meeting amid criticism from corporators over the ongoing water rationing, Ram said the Khadakwasla dam system currently holds only 3.88 TMC of water. While the city earlier required 1.60 TMC of water per month, consumption has now reduced to 1.20 TMC following the implementation of water cuts, making the existing stock sufficient for around three months.
The commissioner said the alternate-day supply has led to low water pressure in some areas due to air pockets in pipelines, and officials have been directed to address complaints on priority. He also announced that three new tanker filling points are being developed to strengthen emergency water supply arrangements.
Meanwhile, PMC is planning to connect Wagholi’s regional water supply scheme to the Army Water Centre pipeline after declining water levels in the Bhima River disrupted supply in the area. Temporary water tanks will also be installed at 30–40 locations in Wagholi.
The mayor directed the administration to take immediate action on complaints related to water shortages and pipeline leakages, and stressed the need for effective rainwater harvesting measures to improve long-term water security.
