Pune has implemented alternate day water supply due to declining reservoir levels and a delayed monsoon, prompting new restrictions for residents to conserve water.
Pune residents will begin receiving water on alternate days starting June 15, as the city grapples with increasing concerns over water availability. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has implemented this measure in response to falling dam levels, a delayed monsoon, and forecasts predicting below-normal rainfall for the year.
The alternate day water supply will remain in effect until August 20. In addition to this change, the PMC has imposed restrictions on various activities, including car washing, swimming pool usage, and construction work. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines and the areas affected by these restrictions.
To ensure responsible water usage, the civic body has issued several guidelines for residents and institutions. These include the careful use of drinking water to avoid wastage, immediate repair of leaking taps, pipes, and flush systems, and refraining from using drinking water for washing vehicles, courtyards, or footpaths. Residents are also advised to prevent overhead water tanks from overflowing and to use only the necessary amount of water for daily activities such as bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning utensils. Public water leakages should be reported to the PMC promptly, and housing societies are encouraged to utilize sewage treatment plants and recycled water whenever possible. Additionally, hotels, restaurants, hostels, and commercial establishments have been urged to reduce water consumption and use treated water for non-drinking purposes. All residents are expected to adhere to the water conservation measures issued by the PMC until normal supply is restored.
The decision to implement alternate day water supply was prompted by a request from Maharashtra’s irrigation department, which urged the PMC to reduce daily water usage and safeguard existing water reserves. Pune primarily sources its water from the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar dams, along with some supply from the Bhama Askhed and Pawna reservoirs. Officials have reported that water levels in these reservoirs are lower than anticipated, and the uncertainty surrounding the monsoon has heightened concerns about water availability.
Typically, Pune consumes around 1,600 million litres of water daily. Under the new plan, this supply has been reduced to approximately 1,100 million litres per day, resulting in a daily savings of nearly 500 million litres.
Notably, areas receiving water from the Bhama Askhed system will not face immediate alternate day cuts. PMC officials have indicated that these areas are already experiencing issues with muddy water supply, and therefore, they have been excluded from the alternate day schedule for the time being. The situation in these areas will be assessed separately.
Officials have cautioned that the water crisis could escalate if rainfall remains below normal in the coming weeks. Some estimates suggest that Pune may experience water shortages reminiscent of the drought years of 2013 and 2014. The PMC has committed to continuously monitoring reservoir levels and the progress of the monsoon before making any further decisions regarding water supply measures.
According to The Sunday Guardian, the PMC’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the ongoing water crisis and ensure that residents are informed and prepared for the challenges ahead.