Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) finds itself at the center of a contentious debate over its request for an annual allocation of 23.34 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water from the dam amidst rapid urbanization within its limits. The city’s plea for increased water supply has triggered significant tensions between urban and rural stakeholders, highlighting broader challenges in water resource management and allocation in Maharashtra.
The demand, actively pursued by PMC with the Maharashtra State Government, underscores Pune’s pressing need to cater to its burgeoning population and expanding urban infrastructure. However, despite persistent efforts over the past decade, successive administrations have failed to deliver a definitive decision on the matter, leaving promises unfulfilled and the issue unresolved. During Canal Advisory Committee meetings have intensified these tensions, pitting PMC representatives advocating for urban drinking water needs against rural leaders prioritizing agricultural water requirements. This clash reflects competing interests over limited water resources, exacerbating the complexities of equitable distribution and sustainable usage. The Maharashtra Water Resources Department, responsible for overseeing water allocations, has outlined stringent criteria and procedures governing the approval process for dam water usage. While acknowledging Pune’s population growth as a factor necessitating increased water supply, the department has raised concerns about PMC’s compliance with sanctioned quotas and accuracy in population data reporting.
Currently, PMC reportedly exceeds sanctioned water quotas, drawing an estimated 270 liters per person per day against the regulated allocation of 155 liters per person per day. This discrepancy has led to fines imposed by the Water Resources Department, further straining PMC’s financial resources and exacerbating the urgency for a sustainable resolution. The Water Resources Department has provisionally approved a consumption of 12.82 TMC for the year 2023-24, significantly lower than the requested 23.34 TMC. This decision reflects the department’s cautious approach towards balancing urban water needs with broader ecological and agricultural concerns. As the standoff continues, stakeholders await clarity and decisive action from the Maharashtra Government to address Pune’s escalating water crisis effectively. The outcome of this deliberation will not only impact PMC’s ability to sustainably manage its water resources but also set precedent for future urban development and water governance strategies in Maharashtra.
