Rainwater Harvesting in Pune Societies: Is the City Doing Enough?

Water scarcity in Pune is no longer a looming threat—it’s a lifestyle reality.
Rainwater Harvesting in Pune Societies
Rainwater Harvesting in Pune SocietiesThe Bridge Chronicle
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As urban expansion continues to strain water sources, housing societies across the city are increasingly turning to rainwater harvesting (RWH).

Beyond conserving water, this practice reflects an evolving mindset: residents who once depended on tankers are now prioritizing sustainable, long-term solutions

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Success Stories: Societies That Lead the Way

  • Roseland Residency - This society in Pimple Saudagar has been harvesting rainwater for a decade, saving over Rs 20 lakh annually and never needing to purchase water tankers. They recharge their borewells with the harvested rainwater. 

  • Crosswinds Society, Baner eliminated its ₹40,000/month tanker bill by installing RWH in 2022—and now enjoys better-quality utility water with minimal external supply

  • Lunkad Sky Lounge, Kalyani Nagar, with 200 flats, made a cautious start with RWH months before expanding the system—and now offsets a large part of their daily water needs while reducing tanker dependency.

Why Adoption Remains Spotty

Despite notable gains, adoption across Pune societies is inconsistent:

Rainwater Harvesting in Pune Societies
Rainwater Harvesting in Pune SocietiesThe Bridge Chronicle
Rainwater Harvesting in Pune Societies
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  • While RWH is mandatory for new buildings since 2006, enforcement across existing housing remains weak. Many systems are poorly maintained or broken

  • Tax rebates—up to 10%—are available, but only 3,700 properties claimed them in 2022–23, out of around 200,000 eligible households

  • Society representatives cite maintenance hassle, lack of annual cleaning, and initial cost concerns as barriers.

Civic Role & Policy Gaps

Rainwater Harvesting in Pune Societies
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) The Bridge Chronicle

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) offers incentives, but struggles with enforcement. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised mandatory RWH for new buildings, yet compliance remains uneven. Municipal buildings and metro stations now include RWH systems, but urban sprawl often outpaces water infrastructure.

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Lifestyle Lessons from Rainwater Harvesting

  • Wellness for all seasons: Clean, on-site water boosts residents’ health and quality of life.

  • Nature meets convenience: RWH offers a seamless blend of sustainability and daily utility.

  • Community resilience: Shared responsibility strengthens social bonds and produces tangible savings.

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