Pune: PMC Announces Thursday Water Shutdown To Stretch Stocks Till August 2027

From October 15, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will halt water supply to the city every Thursday. The goal of this measure is to lower consumption by a minimum of 10% and guarantee that current water reserves remain sufficient until August 31, 2027. This decision was prompted by a directive from the Maharashtra government, following concerns over below-average rainfall, the possible persistence of the El Niño effect, and the threat of an extended water shortage.

Pavneet Kaur, Additional Municipal Commissioner, PMC, noted that the state government's directive was based on the El Niño causing reduced monsoon rainfall, with potential consequences continuing into the following year. The Water Resources Department issued a government resolution on October 5, mandating all local self-government units to cut water usage by at least 10% starting October 16, with the potential for higher reductions if needed and prioritizing drinking water needs.

As of October 12, the Khadakwasla dam chain had a water reserve of 26.22 thousand million cubic feet, which is below the average storage from the same period in previous years. The PMC evaluated reservoir stocks before implementing the weekly shutdown. The measure aims to maintain water supplies throughout the summer and until the next monsoon.

Unlike a daily reduction, the PMC has chosen to shut down water services completely on Thursdays. In place of the Thursday shutdown, the civic body has banned the use of drinking water for construction, vehicle washing, and filling swimming pools, encouraging residents to use treated sewage water from STPs, borewells, or wells. Public and private vehicle-washing facilities have been required to close.

Residents are advised to confirm for leaks, install automatic float valves, and report any unauthorized connections or water wastage to the city administration.