Pune, 13th July 2026: With Pune metropolitan region expanding fast, the Maharashtra government has begun preparing a comprehensive water plan to ensure water security till 2047. The plan aims to address future shortages by improving water management, increasing reuse and identifying alternative water sources.
According to the Water Resources Department, the region currently consumes around 22 TMC of water annually from the Khadakwasla dam system. However, planning estimates suggest the official population of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and the PMRDA region could reach 1.8 crore by 2047.
Considering floating population, newly merged villages, upcoming townships and industrial growth, authorities are also evaluating a high-growth scenario of 2.5 to 3 crore people, pushing annual water demand to 50–60 TMC.
Since increasing reservoir storage is not feasible, the master plan will focus on making better use of available water. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), PMRDA, MIDC and the Water Resources Department are jointly preparing the roadmap.
A key objective of the plan is to reduce fresh water demand through large-scale recycling of treated wastewater. Municipal corporations will be responsible for expanding sewage treatment and supplying treated water for non-drinking purposes such as gardening, vehicle washing and toilet flushing.
The plan also proposes dual plumbing systems in residential complexes to separate potable and recycled water supply.
Authorities will also launch awareness campaigns to reduce excessive household consumption. While the national urban benchmark is 155 litres per person per day, Pune's actual consumption has reached nearly 250 litres, among the highest in the region. PCMC records around 170–175 litres per person, while PMRDA follows the rural norm of 90 litres per person per day.
Officials have also clarified that the recent filling of Khadakwasla dam does not guarantee year-round water security. Khadakwasla functions mainly as a distribution reservoir and holds only 1.97 TMC, around 7% of the total storage in the four-dam system. The remaining 93% of water is stored in Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar dams.
The four reservoirs together have a combined capacity of 29.15 TMC, and currently hold around 60% of their total storage. Officials said a reliable year-round supply depends on all four reservoirs reaching full capacity.
The master plan will set clear targets for every agency involved, including:
Expanding wastewater treatment and reuse.
Reducing per capita water consumption closer to the 155-litre benchmark.
Introducing dual plumbing infrastructure in new and existing developments.
Exploring additional water sources and improving irrigation efficiency to reduce pressure on drinking water supplies.
Superintending Engineer Pravin Kolhe of the Pune Irrigation Circle said the region's future demand could rise to 50–60 TMC, making efficient water management essential. He said agencies will have to implement structural changes to reduce consumption and maximise water reuse.
The master plan will also examine options such as bringing water from the Konkan region through river-linking projects and replacing open canals with pipeline distribution systems to minimise water losses while reducing the impact on irrigation.
