Pune May Face Two Days of Water Cuts Per Week; PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram Says Decision in Eight Days

Pune, 16th October 2026: Pune residents may face additional water cuts as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) considers increasing the existing 10% reduction in water supply to 20% amid concerns over a possible drought and reduced rainfall due to the El Niño phenomenon.

Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the civic body would conduct detailed planning over the next eight days before deciding whether to increase the water cut or continue with the existing restrictions.

The development follows a recommendation by Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi to implement a 20% water cut in the city. The Maharashtra Government has directed all local self-government bodies to introduce water conservation measures from October 16 to ensure that available water reserves last longer.

Water Supply Suspended Every Thursday

The PMC announced a 10% water cut last week, under which water supply across the entire city remains suspended every Thursday. The measure came into effect this week.

Following the District Collector’s recommendation to increase the reduction to 20%, the civic administration is assessing available water stocks, consumption patterns and the requirements of different areas before taking a final decision.

Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the PMC would undertake detailed planning to determine the extent of water cuts required in different parts of the city. Areas receiving relatively lower water supplies may face different restrictions from those receiving higher supplies.

Two-Day Water Cut Under Consideration

If the PMC decides to implement a 20% water cut, water supply may have to be suspended for two days a week instead of the current one-day shutdown.

However, the civic administration has not yet confirmed the implementation of a two-day water cut. The final decision will be taken after reviewing the available water stock and completing the detailed planning exercise over the next eight days.

PMC to Focus on Water Conservation

To avoid imposing additional restrictions on residents, the PMC plans to focus on reducing water wastage, addressing leakages and taking action against illegal water connections.

According to Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, approximately 30% to 40% of the city’s water is lost through leakage. The civic body will also attempt to complete the remaining works under the equal water supply scheme to improve distribution and minimise wastage.

Dam Water Stock at 80%

Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated that the water stock in the dams supplying Pune stood at 100% during the corresponding period last year, compared to approximately 80% this year.

Considering the possibility of reduced rainfall in the coming months, the state government has directed authorities to prioritise drinking water and ensure that available reserves last longer.

The PMC is expected to decide within the next eight days whether to increase the water cut to 20% or continue with the existing 10% reduction. Until then, the possibility of two days of water cuts per week remains under consideration and has not been officially confirmed.