Pune’s 13% Water Cut Sufficient, No Need to Increase It to 20%, Says Sajag Nagrik Manch
Pune, 26th October 2026: The existing 13% water cut in Pune is sufficient, and there is no need to increase it to 20%, according to Vivek Velankar, president of Sajag Nagrik Manch. Citing the available water stock in the Khadakwasla dam system and the city’s projected requirements for the coming months, Velankar has opposed the proposed increase in water restrictions.
The issue is expected to be discussed at a meeting between the Water Resources Department and representatives of all political parties on October 28. The proposal for a 20% water cut was reportedly suggested by the District Collector, prompting the civic group to present its assessment of the available water resources and Pune’s requirements.
According to the figures cited by Velankar, the Khadakwasla dam system had 25.66 TMC of water available as of October 15, 2026. In the absence of any water cut, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) requires approximately 1.6 TMC of water every month. Based on this estimate, the city would need around 17.40 TMC of water between October 15, 2026, and August 31, 2027.
However, maintaining the existing practice of suspending water supply every Thursday would result in savings of approximately 13%, bringing Pune’s requirement down to around 15 TMC during the same period.
After reserving 15 TMC for Pune, approximately 10.66 TMC would remain in the dam system. Even after accounting for an estimated three TMC of water loss due to evaporation, around 7.66 TMC could remain available for irrigation and filling drinking water reservoirs in the Daund-Indapur region, according to the organisation’s assessment.
Velankar also stated that water could be planned for the rabi agricultural season, subsequent irrigation releases and the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage. Additionally, approximately five TMC of water could potentially be supplied for agriculture through the Baby Canal from the Mundhwa jackwell.
On this basis, Sajag Nagrik Manch has called for the existing 13% water cut to continue until August 31, 2027, without imposing further restrictions. The organisation believes that the available storage can meet Pune’s requirements while allowing water to be allocated for other essential needs.
Demand for White Paper on Equal Water Supply Scheme
Alongside opposing the proposed increase in water cuts, Sajag Nagrik Manch has demanded that the PMC publish a white paper detailing the outcomes of the Equal Water Supply Scheme.
According to Velankar, approximately ₹2,000 crore has been spent on the scheme over the past five years, with the objectives of reducing water leakage and ensuring equitable water distribution across the city.
The organisation has sought details of the scheme’s actual achievements, including the extent to which water leakage has been reduced and whether residents across different parts of Pune are receiving an equitable supply.
The October 28 meeting is expected to be significant in determining the way forward on Pune’s water supply restrictions. Sajag Nagrik Manch has maintained that the existing 13% cut should continue, arguing that a higher reduction is unnecessary based on its assessment of the available water stock and projected demand.
