Pune: In a move that has shocked and angered villagers, the Gram Panchayat of Parsul, a village in Khed Taluka of Pune district, has introduced a fine of ₹100 for households fetching more than two pots of water from the village well. With summer intensifying and water levels depleting, the village has implemented this unusual restriction to ensure that the available water lasts longer.
Water Shortage Worsens Despite Heavy Rainfall
Khed Taluka receives ample rainfall during the monsoon, yet many villages face water scarcity in summer. This year, to prevent a severe crisis, the Parsul Gram Panchayat has decided to ration water strictly.
Under the new rule:
Each family is allowed only two pots of water per day from the public well.
If a household collects a third pot, they must pay a fine of ₹100.
Why Was This Decision Taken?
According to the village authorities, the water in the well needs to last until June, prompting them to impose these restrictions. Additionally, a large number of villagers have migrated to cities for work, leaving behind mostly elderly women in the village. To ensure their safety and convenience, the Gram Panchayat has also fixed specific timings for fetching water—from 7 AM to 6 PM only.
Severe Water Crisis Forces Villagers to Wander for Water
The water crisis in Parsul village has worsened drastically, and residents are now forced to walk long distances to find drinking water. The situation is expected to remain critical for at least two more months until the monsoon arrives.
Though several water conservation projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission are ongoing in Pune’s rural areas, the severity of the issue has led local authorities to submit proposals for starting water tankers in affected villages.