Many Leave Pune For Diwali, But City’s Water Demand Remains Largely Unchanged

Pune, 14th November 2026: While thousands of residents left Pune for their native places during the Diwali break, leading to traffic congestion easing across the city, the exodus had little impact on water consumption. Data shared by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) shows that the city’s daily water usage declined by just 20-25 million litres per day (MLD) during the festive period.

Pune has witnessed rapid expansion over the years, with people moving to the city for employment, education and business opportunities. The growing population has increased demand for water, with the civic administration repeatedly seeking a higher water quota from the state government and the irrigation department.

The population influx has often been blamed for the city’s rising water demand. However, despite a large number of residents returning to their native places for Diwali, the reduction in water consumption remained marginal.

According to PMC data, the civic body drew around 1,718 MLD of water on November 5, the first day of the Diwali period, and 1,700 MLD on November 6 (Dhanteras). The daily draw stood at 1,688 MLD on November 7, 1,682 MLD on November 8, 1,698 MLD on November 9, 1,697 MLD on November 10 and 1,692 MLD on November 11.

Civic officials said that although water consumption did not decline significantly, water pressure across the distribution network improved during the holidays. Complaints of inadequate water supply dropped sharply and almost ceased in several areas. Even localities that earlier struggled to receive adequate water began getting supply, officials said.