Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) uses only 14 TMC of the 22 TMC of water it receives annually, while 8 TMC remains unaccounted for, causing a strain on irrigation needs of nearby talukas like Daund and Indapur.
The state water resources department will form a joint task force with PMC to identify water leakages and unutilized water sources and improve water reuse.
Only 30% of used water is treated, while the remaining 70–80% is discharged untreated into rivers, prompting officials to emphasize better sewage treatment and encroachment removal around dams and canals.
Pune, 28 July 2025: Pune city is using around 8 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) more water than its sanctioned annual quota, creating a significant strain on water availability for agricultural regions in Maharashtra. In response, the State Water Resources Department has formed a special task force to investigate the overuse, identify leakages, and improve recycling practices.
The issue was highlighted during a high-level meeting at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters on Saturday, chaired by Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. Officials revealed that while Pune is allocated 14 TMC of water per year, its actual usage has reached 22 TMC.
This excess consumption is affecting irrigation in Daund, Indapur, and Purandar, where farmers depend on the same water resources. The minister said Pune's water usage should align with population-based norms and that the additional usage stems from pipeline leaks, overuse, and low recycling rates.
Currently, the PMC recycles only 30% of its wastewater, even though it is required to recycle at least 80% and discharge the treated water into rivers for irrigation.
"The data clearly shows Pune is consuming far more water than allowed, which is hurting agricultural areas downstream," Vikhe Patil said. He emphasized the need for urgent intervention to ensure fair water distribution across the state.
The newly formed task force will carry out detailed surveys to identify water leakages, monitor consumption patterns, and suggest ways to increase recycling. The team will also act against encroachments in dam catchment areas, which are disrupting water storage and flow.
Approximately 40,000 hectares of farmland are currently facing water shortages due to the city’s overdraw. The minister added that the state will treat this situation as a priority and push for immediate corrective steps.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to tackle rising tensions between urban water usage and rural needs, especially as Maharashtra grapples with increasing water scarcity.