Pune, 16th October 2026: District administration has ordered a 20% reduction in water supply across municipal corporations and councils as storage in the Khadakwasla dam system is 25% lower than at the same time last year. The Water Resources Department has also suggested alternate-day water supply for city to ensure that available water lasts until August 2027.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said the decision was necessary to manage the available water carefully amid concerns over the possible impact of El Niño on rainfall. All local civic bodies have been directed to plan water distribution to ensure drinking water supplies until August 31, 2027.
Alongside water conservation measures, the district administration will crack down on unauthorised water extraction. Dudi has directed the formation of joint flying squads comprising officials from the revenue department, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), police and the Water Resources Department.
The teams will identify and stop illegal water extraction. Pumps and motors used for unauthorised water withdrawal will be seized, while MSEDCL has been instructed to disconnect electricity connections where water theft is detected. Police assistance will also be provided wherever necessary.
The administration has stressed the need for careful water management and strict enforcement to protect available reserves and maintain drinking water supplies across Pune district through the coming summer.
