Pune Water Supply Plan Eyes Long Term Resilience

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation has renewed its push for long-term water security by seeking additional water allocation from the Maharashtra government alongside faster approvals for key infrastructure projects. The proposals link drinking water availability, river restoration and transport connectivity, reflecting the growing need for integrated urban planning as the city expands.

The civic administration has requested an additional 25 TMC water allocation to meet rising demand driven by population growth, urbanisation and expanding residential and commercial development. The proposal was submitted to the state’s Water Resources Department along with a broader set of recommendations aimed at strengthening Pune’s water resilience. Among the key demands is the creation of a comprehensive river management programme for the Mula and Mutha rivers. Urban planners have long argued that improving river health requires coordinated efforts covering pollution control, desilting, flood mitigation and ecological restoration rather than isolated engineering interventions. Experts say healthier urban rivers not only improve water quality but also reduce flood risks and enhance public spaces.

The civic body has also sought approvals for two proposed bridges in the Dhayari area, where traffic congestion has intensified due to rapid urban expansion. Improved connectivity is expected to ease travel for residents while supporting economic activity across developing neighbourhoods. However, infrastructure specialists note that road projects should be integrated with public transport planning to ensure long-term mobility benefits. The 25 TMC water allocation proposal is accompanied by a request for a large-scale desilting programme covering the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar reservoirs. Removing accumulated silt could help restore reservoir storage capacity, improving water availability during dry seasons and strengthening resilience against increasingly erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change. Water management experts say reservoir maintenance has become increasingly important as changing monsoon patterns place greater pressure on existing storage infrastructure. Restoring capacity through periodic desilting can complement demand management measures, rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, creating a more sustainable urban water system.

The civic administration has also proposed establishing a high-level coordination mechanism involving multiple government agencies to oversee reservoir management and river restoration projects. Such institutional coordination is often viewed as essential for delivering complex infrastructure programmes that span environmental conservation, flood management and urban development. As Pune continues to attract investment, new housing and employment opportunities, ensuring reliable water resources will remain central to the city’s long-term growth strategy. Experts believe future infrastructure planning will increasingly need to balance development with ecological sustainability, ensuring that expanding urban areas remain resilient to climate pressures while protecting critical natural assets.

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Pune Water Supply Plan Eyes Long Term Resilience