top of page

By:

Rajendra Pandharpure

15 April 2025 at 7:55:54 pm

Pune’s drought could dry up business

Water rationing threatens to hit the city’s wedding industry, construction sector, retail trade and livelihoods. Pune : Pune is beginning to feel the economic sting of drought. A 10 percent cut in the city’s water supply has already been implemented, and the municipal administration has indicated that the reduction could rise to 20 percent or more over the next two to three months. What appears at first to be a water-management crisis could soon become a wider economic problem, affecting...

Pune’s drought could dry up business

Water rationing threatens to hit the city’s wedding industry, construction sector, retail trade and livelihoods. Pune : Pune is beginning to feel the economic sting of drought. A 10 percent cut in the city’s water supply has already been implemented, and the municipal administration has indicated that the reduction could rise to 20 percent or more over the next two to three months. What appears at first to be a water-management crisis could soon become a wider economic problem, affecting businesses, construction activity, employment and household budgets. The Pune Municipal Corporation has begun shutting off the water supply every Thursday. Swimming pools and vehicle-washing centres have been closed, while the use of water for construction has been prohibited. The state government has directed the civic administration to ensure that the reserves in the Khadakwasla dam chain, which supplies Pune, last until August 2027. The challenge could become more acute in the months ahead. Meteorological experts have forecast a milder winter and significantly higher temperatures this year. If these predictions hold true, increased evaporation could place further pressure on the city's water reserves, potentially necessitating stricter rationing. For residents accustomed to a relatively abundant water supply, cuts of 20 percent or more would demand a substantial adjustment in daily life. Intense Pressure The economic consequences are beginning to emerge. The closure of vehicle-washing centres has deprived young people employed in low-skilled jobs of their livelihoods. Swimming-pool closures have similarly affected security guards and lifeguards. These may appear to be small, isolated losses, but they expose a larger problem: when water-intensive businesses are forced to shut down, the burden falls disproportionately on workers with few financial reserves and limited employment alternatives. The impact could spread to Pune’s lucrative wedding industry. The wedding season traditionally gathers momentum after Tulsi Vivah in the month of Kartik, generating business worth more than Rs. 200-250 crore. Pune has long attracted affluent families from outside the city who prefer its venues and facilities for wedding celebrations, partly because of its historically reliable water supply. Persistent restrictions could undermine that advantage. Wedding venues, caterers, hotels and other service providers depend on a dependable water supply to operate. If rationing becomes more severe, organisers may reconsider their choice of venue, while businesses could face higher operating costs and disruptions. An industry that generates substantial seasonal revenue also supports a network of workers and small enterprises, making the potential economic fallout wider than the immediate loss of bookings. Rural-Urban Connection Pune’s commercial fortunes are also linked to the health of the rural economy. A good agricultural harvest typically improves rural incomes, supporting spending on goods and services in urban markets. When farm earnings weaken, that spending tends to contract, affecting traders, retailers and other businesses. If rural incomes remain subdued, the city’s commercial sector could face an additional headwind at a time when water scarcity is already threatening business activity. The interaction between agricultural distress and urban water shortages could therefore deepen the economic slowdown. Construction presents another major vulnerability. Like many large cities, Pune depends heavily on real estate and infrastructure development to sustain economic activity and employment. Construction projects generate demand across a broad network of industries, from building-material suppliers and transport operators to contractors and daily-wage workers. A prolonged restriction on construction-related water use could delay projects, raise costs and disrupt work schedules. If projects stall, the effects will extend beyond developers to workers, suppliers and businesses that depend on the real estate sector. Rising Inflation For ordinary citizens, the prospect of tighter water rationing comes amid an already difficult cost-of-living situation. Food and restaurant prices have risen sharply. A cup of tea now costs more than Rs. 30, while a serving of idli-sambar can exceed Rs. 90. Even street food, traditionally an affordable option for working people, has become increasingly expensive. These prices illustrate the pressure on household budgets, particularly those of workers whose incomes have not kept pace with rising costs. If water shortages push up operating expenses for restaurants, caterers and other businesses, consumers could face further increases. The extent of any additional price rise will depend on how severe and prolonged the restrictions become. The working class is particularly exposed. Workers in vehicle-washing centres, swimming pools, construction and allied services may lose income precisely when everyday necessities are becoming more expensive. Unlike larger businesses, many such workers have little capacity to absorb a prolonged interruption in earnings. Pune’s immediate challenge is to conserve enough water to carry the city through the coming months. Yet the implications of the drought extend well beyond household taps and civic supply schedules. Trade, real estate, hospitality and seasonal businesses all depend, directly or indirectly, on the availability of water. The two sectors facing particular uncertainty are trade and real estate. The former could suffer from weaker consumer spending and disruptions to commercial activity; the latter could be affected by restrictions on construction and the risk of project delays. The consequences would be felt across employment and the wider urban economy. Pune’s residents and businesses have not had to contend with water cuts of 20 percent or more on a sustained basis. Adapting to such restrictions will be difficult, especially if temperatures rise and the drought persists.

Artificial Intelligence: Transforming the Future of Education

Writer: Anil D. Salve
Anil D. Salve
Apr 3
3 min read

The birth of Artificial Intelligence is often compared to the birth of the Internet-an innovation that quietly entered our lives and gradually became inseparable from it. Decades ago, the Internet was a luxury; today, it is a necessity woven into our daily existence. Similarly, AI is not just another technological trend-it is steadily becoming an integral part of human life. Whether we consciously choose to use it or not, AI will continue to exist, evolve, and shape the way we learn, work, and think. Its presence is inevitable, and its impact on education is already profound.


India’s education system stands at a crucial turning point. Delivering quality education to millions of students across diverse regions, languages, and socio-economic backgrounds remains a significant challenge. Various assessments continue to highlight persistent learning gaps, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative and scalable solutions. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful catalyst for change.


The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a turning point for digital learning in India. Platforms such as DIKSHA, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp ensured continuity of education during school closures. Even in low-resource settings, mobile-based learning became a lifeline. This rapid digital shift not only exposed existing gaps but also laid a strong foundation for integrating AI into mainstream education.


Biggest Aspect

One of the most transformative aspects of AI is its ability to enable personalised learning. Every student learns differently, with unique strengths, weaknesses, and pace. AI systems can analyse student performance in real time and adapt content accordingly. AI-powered tutors guide students through their individual learning journeys, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and stay engaged. AI is equally empowering for teachers. Educators often face heavy administrative workloads that limit their teaching time. AI tools assist in lesson planning, grading, and performance analysis, reducing routine burdens.


This allows teachers to focus more on meaningful classroom interaction, creativity, and student engagement-ultimately enhancing the quality of education. Assessment methods are also being redefined through AI. Unlike traditional exams that provide delayed feedback, AI-driven systems offer instant insights into student performance.


They help identify learning gaps early and enable timely intervention. For example, AI tools can assess reading skills by analysing pronunciation, speed, and comprehension, making evaluation more accurate and effective. Beyond the classroom, AI plays a significant role in educational governance and administration. Through advanced data analytics, authorities can monitor school performance, student attendance, and dropout trends. This data-driven approach enables better decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and targeted interventions.


Driving Inclusivity

AI is also driving inclusivity in education. Assistive technologies support students with disabilities, while multilingual tools break language barriers, making learning accessible to a wider audience. Innovations like Virtual Reality further enrich the learning experience by making it immersive and interactive, thereby enhancing student engagement and understanding.


However, the integration of AI in education is not without challenges. Limited digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, lack of internet access, and concerns around data privacy must be addressed. It is important to recognize that AI is not a replacement for teachers but a powerful tool to support and empower them.


With thoughtful implementation, continuous teacher training, and responsible use, AI has the potential to revolutionize education. It can make learning more personalized, inclusive, and effective, ensuring that no student is left behind. Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological advancement-it is a transformative force. Just as the Internet became an inseparable part of human life, AI too is on the path to becoming a defining element of our future. Embracing it wisely today will shape a smarter, more equitable education system for tomorrow.


(The writer is Principal of Podar International School, Ausa, Latur. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page