Pune may be on the brink of a water shortage as city authorities confront mounting unpaid dues to the state Water Resources Department. The civic administration has been directed to settle ₹932.88 crore within two weeks, with officials warning that supply could be suspended if the arrears remain unresolved. At current consumption levels, the city’s allocated water reserve is expected to last barely two weeks, raising concerns about access for millions of residents and businesses.
The municipal body receives an annual allocation of 11.60 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, primarily sourced from the Khadakwasla Dam. As of January 31, nearly the entire allotment 11.23 TMC had been drawn, leaving a remaining 0.36 TMC. At the prevailing rate of use, this reserve could sustain the city for only 12–15 days, underscoring the urgency of both payment settlement and consumption management.
Industry experts note that Pune’s water consumption has consistently outpaced official allocations. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the municipal corporation exceeded its approved quota by 8.84 TMC. Regulatory norms stipulate penalties for overuse, which can rise to triple the standard water rate for consumption beyond prescribed thresholds. The financial burden of these arrears compounds existing infrastructure and service pressures, creating a scenario where fiscal planning directly affects civic water access. Urban planners emphasise that rising urban water demand in rapidly expanding cities like Pune reflects broader challenges of sustainable growth. Population growth, new residential and commercial developments, and high industrial water use have amplified stress on existing reservoirs. Without stronger demand management, equitable allocation mechanisms, and timely fiscal compliance, residents may experience service disruptions, particularly in peripheral areas.
Civic authorities recently made partial payments of ₹19.75 crore for November and December, but the bulk of the outstanding balance remains. Analysts caution that prolonged delays in clearing dues could trigger supply curtailment, forcing the municipal body to impose rationing or prioritise water delivery to critical sectors. The scenario underscores the interconnection between municipal finance, regulatory compliance, and basic service delivery in India’s fast-growing cities. Looking ahead, sustainable urban water management will require a mix of immediate and long-term measures. These include improved metering and monitoring, infrastructure investment to reduce transmission losses, and incentivising reduced consumption among industrial and commercial users. Addressing arrears and controlling overuse are both critical to ensuring Pune’s water security, maintaining public trust, and supporting equitable urban development in a climate-sensitive context.
