Pune: PMC Faces Water Crisis As Allocation Falls Short Of Demand

Pune, 14th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has once again been dealt a blow by the Water Resources Department, which has approved only 14.61 TMC of water for the city instead of the requested 21.48 TMC. This decision comes despite the increased population and the inclusion of 34 newly merged villages within the municipal limits. The department has also directed PMC to strictly adhere to the sanctioned daily water quota.

Originally, the water budget for the period from July 2024 to June 2025 was expected to be approved in September 2024. However, a delay of 4.5 months resulted in the final approval only in February 2025. As per regulations set by the Water Resources Regulatory Authority, the PMC is required to submit a water budget annually to the Irrigation Department. Following this requirement, the PMC submitted its proposal in August 2024, only to receive approval with a significantly reduced
allocation six months later.

The PMC had estimated a population of 79.39 lakh, factoring in the newly included villages, and had sought additional water to meet the growing demand. The previous year, the city had requested 20.90 TMC but was allocated just 12.82 TMC. This year, despite hopes for a more favorable response, the approved quota remains insufficient. Many of the merged villages still rely heavily on water tankers for supply, worsening the situation.

Adding to the concern, the allocated water supply is expected to last only until the end of February. The city requires around 1.5 TMC of water per month, averaging between 1,700 to 1,800 MLD per day. However, during the months leading up to the Assembly Elections, PMC had been withdrawing between 1,900 to 2,000 MLD daily, further straining resources. With the current quota running out sooner than expected, the city may face a severe water crisis unless additional measures are implemented.