Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will launch a leak detection squad from next month to reduce massive water losses.
Around 40% of the city’s water never reaches consumers due to leakages, evaporation, and illegal connections.
Activists demand strict action against unauthorized connections, warning that leak control alone won’t solve the crisis.
Pune, 18 August 2025: Facing growing concerns over water wastage, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will roll out a dedicated "leak detection squad" next month. The move aims to plug losses in the supply network and make better use of the city’s limited water resources.
PMC sources said the city receives nearly 20 TMC of water every year, but about 40 percent never reaches homes. Losses occur due to evaporation, seepage in dams, and leakages in the pipeline system. Civic officials said the new squad will regularly inspect the network and repair damaged sections.
Water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap said PMC has also begun talks with the irrigation department to reduce seepage at the dam level and secure additional water for the city.
However, activists argue that leak detection alone cannot solve the problem. They point out that Pune has almost three lakh illegal water connections, which drain the system and create unequal distribution. Activist Vivek Velankar from Sajag Nagrik Manch said the issue has persisted for years because of political interference and weak enforcement.
A recent joint meeting between PMC and irrigation officials proposed forming a committee to tackle both leakages and unauthorized use. Still, activists remain doubtful, noting that past promises on cracking down illegal connections have brought little change on the ground.
With summer approaching, experts warn that Pune can only avoid shortages if leak repairs are combined with firm action against unauthorized water use.
