PMC to suspend Pune water supply every Thursday from October 15 amid rising water stress

PMC has pointed out that in the Khadakwasla dam, which provides water to Pune, as of October 12, water storage is less compared to the available water storage every year

Residents of Pune are set to experience a significant disruption in their daily water access as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) implements a citywide supply shutdown every Thursday, effective from October 15. The move comes in response to a rainfall deficit and warnings that the El Niño phenomenon may prolong water stress across Maharashtra. The PMC's action follows a broader directive from the Maharashtra government, which has urged civic bodies to enforce a 10 per cent reduction in water consumption starting October 16. According to Pavneet Kaur, Additional Municipal Commissioner, the government has highlighted that El Niño has already impacted this monsoon's rainfall and is likely to affect the next cycle, necessitating a strict management plan to ensure reserves last until August 31, 2027. The crisis is rooted in the declining levels of the Khadakwasla dam chain-comprising the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, and Temghar reservoirs. As of October 12, the combined storage stood at 26.22 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), a figure lower than that recorded during the same period last year.

Pimpri-Chinchwad: Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad may face a further reduction in water supply from Oct 16, with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) yet to finalise how it will implement the proposed cut. The city already receives water on alternate days and faces a daily shortfall of around 105 million litres.The Maharashtra Water Resources Department has directed local bodies to reduce water allocation by 10% amid concerns over rainfall deficits and the need to conserve water for the coming months. PCMC is expected to plan its distribution based on the quantity of water available from its sources.However, the civic body has not yet finalised a revised supply schedule. Officials are considering how to manage the reduced allocation without further disrupting the existing alternate-day system.A PCMC official said, "One option under consideration is to supply water three days a week, possibly Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. However, this is only a proposal and has not been confirmed yet."Water Supply Schedule Remains UnclearPimpri-Chinchwad has followed an alternate-day water supply system since Nov 25, 2019. Under the current arrangement, areas receive water on one day and do not receive it the following day.The additional cut could mean a reduction in the duration of supply on existing water-supply days. For instance, if an area currently receives water for 60 minutes, the duration could be reduced to 50 minutes. This is an illustrative example of how the cut could be implemented, not a confirmed schedule.The civic administration is yet to clarify whether it will shorten supply hours, change the frequency of supply or adopt another method to manage the reduced allocation.Residents should not assume that a particular weekday will become a fixed water-cut day until PCMC announces its final plan.Pune Teacher & School Manager Booked For Locking 3-Year-Old Boy In Bathroom City Faces Daily Water Shortage of 105 MLDPimpri-Chinchwad requires around 770 million litres per day (MLD) but currently receives about 665 MLD.The city receives around 540 MLD from Pavana Dam, 95 MLD from Andra Dam and 30 MLD from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).The additional reduction is expected to put further pressure on the existing supply system. Several housing societies have already reported water shortages and have had to depend on private tankers to meet their needs.The situation is particularly difficult for residents who receive inadequate water even on their scheduled supply days.Pune: Robbers Target 2-Storey Bungalow In Pimpri-Chinchwad At Night, Threaten Elderly Woman Pune's Thursday Shutdown Is SeparateThe Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a complete water supply shutdown across Pune city every Thursday from Oct 15. However, officials clarified that this decision does not automatically apply to Pimpri-Chinchwad, which has a separate water distribution system.PCMC's final plan is awaited. Residents will need to follow the schedule announced by the civic body once the details are confirmed.

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will suspend water supply across the city every Thursday from October 15, aiming to reduce consumption by at least 10% and ensure that available water stocks last until August 31, 2027.The decision follows a Maharashtra government directive issued amid concerns over deficient rainfall, the possible continuation of the El Niño effect and the risk of a prolonged water shortage.Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Pavneet Kaur, Additional Municipal Commissioner, PMC, said, “The Maharashtra government has issued an order saying El Niño led to less rainfall this monsoon and its effects are likely to continue next year. Thus, it is necessary to use available water judiciously and plan properly so that it lasts till August 31 next year.”Pune Teacher & School Manager Booked For Locking 3-Year-Old Boy In Bathroom The state government’s Water Resources Department, through a government resolution dated October 5, directed all local self-government bodies to reduce water consumption by at least 10% from October 16. The reduction may be increased if necessary, with drinking water requirements given priority.As of October 12, the Khadakwasla dam chain had 26.22 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water, lower than the storage recorded during the corresponding period in previous years. The PMC reviewed stocks in the other reservoirs supplying the city before deciding on the weekly shutdown. The measure is intended to preserve available supplies through the coming summer and until the next monsoon.Weekly shutdown instead of daily reductionThe PMC has opted for a complete 24-hour shutdown every Thursday rather than imposing a fixed reduction in daily supply hours.Pune Teacher & School Manager Booked For Locking 3-Year-Old Boy In Bathroom Pune currently receives approximately 1,660-1,680 million litres per day (MLD). A 10% reduction would amount to around 166–168 MLD. As of now, the PMC has not specified how much water the Thursday shutdown alone is expected to save or how it will measure whether the target has been achieved.Construction, washing and swimming pools face restrictionsThe civic body has prohibited the use of drinking water for construction and directed agencies to use treated sewage water from sewage treatment plants (STPs), borewell water or well water instead. Public and private vehicle-washing centres have been asked to shut down. Drinking water must not be used for washing vehicles, courtyards or footpaths, gardening or filling swimming pools.Housing societies with STPs have been asked to reuse treated greywater for gardening and toilet flushing. Residents, hotels, restaurants, commercial establishments and other institutions have been urged to conserve water and avoid unnecessary consumption.Pune: Viral Video Shows Uber Auto Driver, Passengers Clash Over Meter Fare After 15-Minute Wait The PMC has also directed residents to check household taps, pipelines and overhead tanks for leaks and overflow. Automatic float valves should be installed where necessary. Any leakage, wastage or unauthorised water connection should be reported to the civic administration. Unauthorised connections and illegal tapping may invite action, including criminal proceedings against those responsible.