Pune: The civic administration is contemplating various measures to tackle a possible water shortage the city could face in months to come, owing to less storage in dams following two months of scanty rain.Major work to repair the pipeline that carries water from Khadakwasla dam to the city is likely to be postponed against the backdrop of potential water scarcity. The project was scheduled to be taken up this year after the monsoon.In addition, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is also planning to survey and map all wells and borewells in city areas, as well as water sources like ponds and lakes around civic limits, to check if these can be utilised for water supply if required.Sources from the civic body said there is no panic situation as of now, but the administration will have to work out long-term measures for the next eight to nine months.PMC consumes around 20 TMC of water annually from dams. For the year 2026-27, the administration has put forth a demand to allot 21.34 TMC of water to the city. Officials from PMC’s water supply department said that the city is getting water without any cuts for now, but the administration is keeping a close watch. “We are readying our plans jointly with the irrigation department,” an official said.A joint meeting of party leaders in PMC is likely to be held in the next few days to assess the overall situation. The city mayor is expected to chair the meeting to decide on a further course of action. Sources from political parties said that a significant drop in water supply may lead to hardships for citizens. There is a need for proper balance in allotting water for rural and urban areas.A senior corporator from PMC, choosing anonymity, said, “Dams were full till Aug. Around 19 TMC excess water was released from Khadakwasla. Irrigation department and PMC should work out a proper plan to supply adequate water to the city. Water losses from the canal should be curbed as well.”
