Pune, 9th June 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to start alternate day water supply in the city from June 15 as water storage in the Khadakwasla dam project continues to drop, the civic body announced following an all-party meeting chaired by Mayor Manjusha Nagpure on Monday.
The decision comes amid concerns over water availability before the monsoon gains strength in Maharashtra. According to civic officials, only around 5 TMC of water remains in the Khadakwasla reservoir system, which includes Khadakwasla, Panshet, Temghar and Varasgaon dams. This remaining stock must be managed carefully over the next three months.
Apart from supplying drinking water to Pune, the stored water is also required for irrigation purposes and the annual Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage. Officials said evaporation losses have further reduced the available water reserves.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall this season due to the influence of El Niño, with Maharashtra expected to receive around 90 per cent of its average rainfall. Civic authorities said this has increased concerns about possible water scarcity in the coming months.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said the city must take precautionary measures to ensure water is available until sufficient monsoon rainfall is received. She said discussions during the meeting focused on water conservation and supply management, leading to the decision to implement alternate-day water distribution.
PMC will also impose restrictions on facilities that consume large amounts of water, including vehicle washing centers and swimming pools. Officials are expected to issue a detailed circular in the coming days outlining the new water supply schedule and conservation measures.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the administration is preparing a three-month water management plan and will formally announce the revised supply schedule within the next two days. He added that the civic body is also working to reduce water leakages and prevent wastage across the city.
PMC officials said residents will be given advance notice before the new system comes into effect, allowing households adequate time to plan their water storage requirements.