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By:

Rajendra Pandharpure

15 April 2025 at 2:25:54 pm

Water rationing in Pune

AI generated image Pune: Facing the prospect of a weak monsoon and rapidly dwindling water reserves, the Pune Municipal Corporation will begin imposing its proposed water cuts across the city, with residents set to receive water on alternate days from today. As part of the restrictions, vehicle washing centers and swimming pools across the city will be closed, while concerns are mounting over the impact the curbs could have on Pune’s booming construction sector. The move comes as water levels...

Water rationing in Pune

AI generated image Pune: Facing the prospect of a weak monsoon and rapidly dwindling water reserves, the Pune Municipal Corporation will begin imposing its proposed water cuts across the city, with residents set to receive water on alternate days from today. As part of the restrictions, vehicle washing centers and swimming pools across the city will be closed, while concerns are mounting over the impact the curbs could have on Pune’s booming construction sector. The move comes as water levels in the Khadakwasla dam system — the city’s principal source of drinking water — have fallen sharply. Officials say only about 5 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water remains in storage, raising fears that reserves could come under severe strain if monsoon rains arrive late or fall short of expectations. State authorities have already warned of the possibility of below-normal rainfall in Maharashtra this year, citing the influence of the El Niño weather pattern. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier directed government departments to prepare contingency plans for water management, prompting city officials to reassess Pune’s consumption patterns and available reserves. According to municipal officials, Pune has been allotted 3 TMC of water from the current stock, but state government directives require that this reserve be stretched until August 31. The commissioner said the decision to impose alternate-day supply was driven by the need to ensure that the allocated volume lasts through the critical pre-monsoon period. Management Strategy The announcement has also revived longstanding questions about the city’s broader water management strategy. Civic activists and residents have raised concerns about the lack of measures to curb everyday wastage, including overflowing overhead tanks in housing societies, leaking household taps and losses within the distribution network. There are also discussions over whether the municipal corporation should assume control of older wells within the city and integrate them into its emergency water supply plans. The Khadakwasla dam chain has a total storage capacity of 29.15 TMC. While the Water Resources Department has allocated 14.61 TMC annually to the municipal corporation, the city’s actual consumption has surged to nearly 20.87 TMC. Water from the Bhama-Askhed dam supplements supplies to eastern neighbourhoods such as Yerwada and Vadgaon Sheri, but demand has continued to climb. The expansion of Pune’s municipal limits — including the recent incorporation of 32 surrounding villages — has further increased the city’s annual water requirement to about 21 TMC, putting additional pressure on already stretched resources. For many residents, the impending cuts underscore a deeper problem: a city whose growth has outpaced its infrastructure. Despite Pune’s reputation as a relatively water-secure urban center, large sections of the city struggle with uneven distribution. In the densely populated old Peth areas, residents often complain that water pressure is too weak to reach upper floors. In newer suburban developments, dependence on private water tankers has become commonplace. Now, with restrictions being imposed even before the monsoon has fully set in, many Pune residents fear that the coming months could bring a more severe water crisis. The decision to ration supply, they say, is a stark reminder that one of India’s fastest-growing cities remains vulnerable to both the vagaries of the weather and the shortcomings of its own infrastructure.

Gamble and the Challenge

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Eknath Shinde

As Maharashtra eagerly anticipates the election results on November 23, one name dominates political discussions: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Known for his bold moves, Shinde has reshaped the state’s political dynamics in unprecedented ways. In June 2022, Shinde set the stage for upheaval when he, along with several MLAs, left for Surat, plunging the coalition government into crisis. Just days later, with the BJP’s support, he assumed the role of chief minister, marking a shift no one saw coming.


The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, a coalition formed in 2019 by Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP, had governed Maharashtra until Shinde’s exit. The impact of this political drama on state politics cannot be understated, as Shinde’s departure led to the fall of the MVA government. Over the past two years, Shinde has defied expectations, run a successful government while demonstrating independence from the BJP—a scenario few anticipated. His political acumen has now positioned him as a rising figure in BJP’s inner circle, potentially posing a challenge to BJP stalwart Devendra Fadnavis.


For Shinde, this election marks a crucial turning point. His objective is clear: securing wins for as many of his candidates as possible, solidifying his position in Maharashtra’s political landscape. However, the real test lies beyond the election results. In a political era where party loyalty is fluid, Shinde’s task will be to retain the loyalty of the elected MLAs.


Shinde’s journey from auto-rickshaw driver to prominent Shiv Sena leader has endeared him to the people, especially in Thane. Known for his humble behavior, he has built strong connections across all levels, from party workers to local households. However, this simplicity has led some BJP leaders to underestimate him. Now, even his allies realize that Shinde’s strategic mind and influence extend far beyond appearances.


One of Shinde’s significant achievements has been implementing the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ an initiative originally from Madhya Pradesh’s BJP government, which gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. This move not only showcases his keen sense of public sentiment but also distances him from his allies by establishing his independent policy-making approach.


Despite his growing influence, Shinde faces a challenge from the grassroots Shiv Sainiks who view him as a “traitor” for breaking with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction. Recasting the narrative behind his decision to part ways with UBT will be essential if he hopes to gain widespread voter support.


Emphasizing his motivations and successes, particularly with initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ may help him connect with skeptical constituents.


With solid connections at the local level and rapport with senior BJP leaders like Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s influence is likely to endure. This election will ultimately test Shinde’s leadership, resilience, and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate political landscape. As Maharashtra’s political future hangs in the balance, Shinde stands at the forefront, steering the state’s uncertain course with both determination and ambition.

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