Pune’s water shortage is set to worsen after the canal committee reportedly decided to release only 7 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water for the city until June 30 next year, despite around 24 TMC remaining in the Khadakwasla dam system. The decision could affect more than 6.5 million residents and has prompted the Pune Municipal Corporation to prepare for alternate-day water supply after Diwali.
The allocation was reported by Pudhari – Pune following a canal committee meeting. According to the report, the city’s water requirement was discussed against competing demands, including agriculture, drinking water for downstream areas, evaporation and distribution losses. Of the estimated 24 TMC available in the dams supplying Pune, 17 TMC is expected to be kept aside for these purposes under the reported water plan.
The immediate operational impact for Pune is likely to be felt through the municipal water-supply system. The Pune Municipal Corporation will have to manage the available allocation across the city and may implement supply on alternate days after Diwali. The report did not provide a ward-wise schedule or specify how the proposed reduction would be distributed between residential, commercial and other users.
The decision has also raised questions about representation and accountability in regional water planning. Pudhari reported that ministers and some legislators responsible for presenting Pune’s case did not attend the committee meeting, while the legislators who were present did not take a public position against the allocation. The report said this has left the city’s representatives under pressure to respond to the proposed water arrangement.
The Khadakwasla dam system is central to Pune’s municipal water planning, but the allocation is determined within a wider regional framework that includes agricultural requirements and drinking-water needs in areas downstream of the reservoirs. The reported plan therefore places the city’s immediate supply needs alongside demands from other users and locations connected to the same water system.
The potential effects extend beyond household supply. Pune Municipal Corporation’s budget includes several capital works, including the High Capacity Mass Transit Route and flyover projects. Pudhari reported that if water scarcity intensifies, the civic administration may need additional funds for water supply and shortage mitigation. That could require changes to the corporation’s financial priorities and could place pressure on spending planned for infrastructure projects.
The report did not establish whether the 7 TMC allocation is a final notified order, nor did it provide a detailed implementation plan from the canal committee or the municipal corporation. The next key steps are the formal communication of the allocation, the civic body’s supply schedule and any response from Pune’s elected representatives and water authorities.
