Pune, 9th April 2026: The Irrigation Department has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to reduce water supply by 15% to ensure adequate water availability till July 31. The move comes amid rising summer demand and concerns over below-average rainfall this year due to the impact of El Niño.
Water withdrawal from the Khadakwasla dam has increased significantly as the city’s demand surges during summer. However, with predictions of a weak monsoon, authorities fear a potential water shortage even during the rainy season. To avoid such a situation, the department has advised PMC to implement water cuts as a precautionary measure.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the directive should not be viewed negatively and assured that efforts are underway to maintain a steady water supply for residents.
“There is no need to see this directive negatively. Even if rainfall is low, we will ensure proper water supply to Pune. Around 1.5 lakh illegal water connections lead to nearly 25% water loss through theft and leakage. We are working to control this and also reduce pipeline leakages. The equal water supply scheme will help ensure fair distribution of 135 litres per person per day. By reducing losses, implementing a 15% cut will be manageable,” he said.
The city currently has 127 water storage tanks, but uneven distribution has resulted in excess supply in some areas and shortages in others. The ongoing equal water distribution project is expected to address this imbalance while also saving water.
PMC also plans to introduce smart water meters to better regulate usage and will launch a drive against illegal water connections.
To improve coordination, a joint meeting between PMC and Irrigation Department officials has been scheduled for Friday to discuss water management strategies.