Pune: Rising Summer Heat Triggers Surge In Water Demand; PMC Urged To Use Reservoir Water Judiciously

Pune, 17th April 2025: The increasing summer temperatures have led to a sharp rise in the demand for drinking water in Pune, impacting the water reserves of the Khadakwasla dam chain project — the primary source of the city’s water supply. As of now, the total water stock across the four dams in the project stands at 10.96 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), slightly higher than last year’s 10.09 TMC for the same period.

The city receives its water from the Panshet, Varasgaon, Temghar, and Khadakwasla dams. Despite the marginal year-on-year increase in available water, the Water Resources Department has raised concerns due to the rapid pace of consumption driven by rising heat and population demand.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is officially allocated 14.61 TMC of water annually from Khadakwasla (11.60 TMC), Pavana (0.34 TMC), and Bhama Askhed (2.67 TMC) dams. However, in the 2023–24 period, PMC exceeded its allocation, utilizing a total of 20.99 TMC — including 18.72 TMC from Khadakwasla alone.

As of the end of February this year, 13.55 TMC has already been used: 12.05 TMC from Khadakwasla, 0.26 TMC from Pavana, and 1.23 TMC from Bhama Askhed. This leaves just 1.06 TMC in the approved quota for the remainder of the water year.

With increasing temperatures and water usage putting additional pressure on the remaining reserves, the Water Resources Department has appealed to the PMC’s Water Supply Department to conserve water and manage usage carefully. The remaining water stock in the Khadakwasla dam chain is expected to last until July — when the monsoon typically replenishes regional reservoirs.

Authorities are urging residents and officials alike to prioritize efficient and responsible water usage during this critical period to avoid a shortage before the onset of the rainy season.