Despite the presence of adequate water in reservoirs, Pune city is facing a water shortage due to mismanagement, water theft, and infrastructural issues. The Wadgaon Water Purification Center, which was expected to meet the region’s growing demands, has instead become an example of unplanned governance.
According to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) guidelines, Pune city requires 250 million liters per day (MLD) for a population of 8 lakh. However, due to leakages and water theft, residents have to struggle with disrupted water supply. Officials claim that the ongoing water supply scheme has reduced leakage from 40% to 20%, but the situation on the ground paints a different picture.
The Wadgaon Water Treatment Plant supplies 250 MLD daily, enough for nearly 16.66 lakh people at a rate of 150 liters per person. Yet, the municipal corporation is unable to provide adequate water even to 8 lakh residents. The discrepancy raises serious concerns about the regulation and distribution of water in the city.
Experts warn that without proper planning, the city's growing population demand will not be addressed and the city could face an even more severe water crisis.
At present, to solve the water crisis, the authorities have announced a weekly water cut to save water supplies, estimating that a 30% reduction in usage could help stabilize the water supply. This measure, however, is only a temporary fix. "The long-term solution lies in better planning, stricter enforcement against water theft, and infrastructure upgrades," claimed residents.
Residents speak up
Saket Chabri, a resident, pointed out that "A major challenge in water distribution is political pressure. The tanker mafia exists because of political influence. Water is often allocated based on demands from local politicians rather than actual requirements. This imbalance disrupts the equitable distribution of water, further worsening the crisis in certain areas—especially in areas like Keshav Nagar and Mundhwa, mostly the newly added villages to PMC limits."
A PMC official said, "To address the growing demand, an additional 225 MLD water treatment project has been proposed, with an estimated cost of â‚ą195 crore. However, it is expected to take at least four more years for completion."
The present water cuts primarily affected areas from Wadgaon to Dhayari, Torna Bajirao Chowk to Khadi Machine Chowk, and various neighborhoods along the Kondhwa-Katraj belt. Residents are forced to rely on private water tankers, adding to their financial burden.
Experts and citizens alike are urging municipal authorities to take immediate steps to resolve these issues. Transparency in water distribution, stricter measures to prevent leakages, and fair allocation of resources without political interference are necessary to prevent Pune from facing a long-term water crisis.
