Residents queuing for water tankers in Pune during the summer crisis
Mrudula Narale
Pune, April 10, 2025 – As temperatures soar, Pune’s water crisis is spiralling, leaving neighbourhoods parched and residents furious. With taps running dry or spewing weak streams, long queues for water tankers and angry protests outside the municipal office have become the new normal. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) promises relief, but for many, patience is wearing thin.
A City Thirsting for Solutions
The summer heat has pushed water demand to unprecedented levels, and the city’s creaking supply system is struggling to keep up. From Erandwane to Dhayari and Karvenagar to Model Colony, neighbourhoods report erratic supply, low pressure, and hours-long waits for a basic necessity.
“We haven’t had proper water for days,” says Meena Deshpande, a resident of Bhandarkar Road. “Every morning, we wake up hoping today will be better—but the taps are still dry.”
Frustrated citizens and local leaders have taken their grievances to the Water Supply Department, staging protests and demanding immediate action. In response, officials claim they are releasing an additional 2 million litres per day (MLD) and working to stabilise supply. But on the ground, little has changed.
Areas Hit Hardest
- Shivajinagar, Bibwewadi, Kharadi: Erratic supply, with some homes getting water for barely an hour.
- Dhayari, Dhayari Phata: Struggling with barely a trickle from their taps, families now have to budget an extra ₹500-₹800 daily for private water deliveries.
- Senapati Bapat Road, Model Colony: Water trickles weakly, despite PMC’s claims of “full pressure.”
- Erandwane, Nal Stop: Supply comes half an hour early, leaving storage tanks half-empty.
Why Is This Happening?
- Increased Demand: Summer always strains resources, but this year’s spike is worse.
- Aging Infrastructure: Leaks, blockages, and unmapped pipelines delay repairs.
- Unequal Distribution: Areas at the end of the supply chain—especially elevated ones—get the least.
“If this continues, June will be a disaster,” warns civic activist Rajesh Kulkarni. “The PMC needs a long-term plan, not just temporary fixes.”
What’s Being Done?
PMC’s Water Supply Department head, Nandkishore Jagtap, assures that extra water is being pumped in and urges residents to conserve.
“We’re doing our best, but everyone must use water wisely,” he says.
Yet, with no quick fix in sight, Pune’s residents brace for tougher days ahead. For now, the city’s hope—and its taps—remains running on empty.
