Pune, 25th June 2026: In the first 9 days of alternate days water supply in the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) received nearly 1200 complaints related to irregular supply. Of these, around 750 complaints are still pending, while 450 have been resolved.
Civic body's decision to introduce a 25% water cut and alternate-day water supply from June 15 has led to widespread disruptions across the city.
The water rationing was introduced after water levels in the Khadakwasla dam system, which includes Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar reservoirs, fell to 3.82 TMC. With the India Meteorological Department forecasting below-normal rainfall this season, PMC decided to regulate water consumption to conserve available reserves.
Residents from Navi Peth, Narayan Peth, Sadashiv Peth, Somwar Peth, Kothrud, Karvenagar, Warje, Sutardara, Baner, Kharadi, Lohegaon, Wagholi, Kalyani Nagar, Vadgaonsheri, Kalas and Dhanori have reported delayed water supply, low pressure and, in some cases, no supply at all. PMC officials admitted that complaints are particularly high in areas served by the Lashkar and SNDT water centres.
The Water Supply Department has directed officials in all regional offices to respond to complaints on priority. Civic officials said issues related to valve operations, pressure management and technical problems in the distribution network have affected the planned supply schedule in some locations.
Meanwhile, despite PMC's ban on using drinking water for washing vehicles, several vehicle washing centres are allegedly continuing the practice.
Although operators claim they use borewell water, civic officials admitted that treated drinking water is still being used at some locations because customers prefer it over borewell water, which often leaves mineral stains on vehicles. However, no major punitive action has been taken against violators so far.
Chief Engineer of the Water Supply Department, Nandkishor Jagtap, said, "We have deployed special teams at the regional level to address water supply issues arising from the alternate-day schedule. Inspections of vehicle washing centres are underway, and strict action will be taken against anyone found using drinking water in violation of the rules."
