Pune, June 29: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will introduce alternate-day water supply in several eastern and northeastern parts of the city from July 12 as the Bhama Askhed reservoir continues to witness a sharp decline in water storage.
The decision was taken during a meeting of political party leaders on Monday, and the civic administration is expected to announce a detailed supply schedule soon.
The reservoir currently holds only 2.19 TMC of water, with officials stating that it has almost reached its dead storage level. With negligible rainfall in the catchment area despite June drawing to a close, the PMC has decided to conserve the available water to ensure supply over the coming months.
The alternate-day water supply will affect Yerawada, Vishrantwadi, Lohgaon, Kalas, Dhanori, Maharashtra Housing Board colonies, Viman Nagar, parts of Kharadi, Wadgaon Sheri, Phulenagar and parts of Wagholi.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said the decision was taken to ensure the limited water available in the reservoir is used efficiently until storage levels improve.
When the PMC introduced alternate-day water supply across most parts of Pune on June 15, the areas supplied through the Bhama Askhed scheme were exempted because residents were already dealing with muddy, yellowish and foul-smelling water.
Despite repeated efforts by the water supply department, the quality of water did not improve, leading to public protests. Officials said the worsening reservoir situation and increasing silt levels have now made it impossible to continue regular water supply to these areas.
The administration had originally planned to begin the water cuts next week. However, the implementation has been deferred due to the Ashadhi Wari procession.
Regular water supply will be maintained across Pune on July 9 and 10 to support the annual pilgrimage. Alternate-day water supply in the affected eastern localities will begin from July 12 after the Wari concludes.