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By:

Rajendra Pandharpure

15 April 2025 at 7:55:54 pm

The Drought That Could Send Maharashtra to Pune

A rural water crisis could become an urban challenge as migration, pressure on housing and demand for water converge on an already crowded Pune. Pune: As more than half the state faces drought conditions, Pune is turning into a principal destination for people leaving villages across Maharashtra search of work and a more secure livelihood. While the city has absorbed such waves before, the difference this time is that Pune is already struggling under the weight of its own success. Dramatic...

The Drought That Could Send Maharashtra to Pune

A rural water crisis could become an urban challenge as migration, pressure on housing and demand for water converge on an already crowded Pune. Pune: As more than half the state faces drought conditions, Pune is turning into a principal destination for people leaving villages across Maharashtra search of work and a more secure livelihood. While the city has absorbed such waves before, the difference this time is that Pune is already struggling under the weight of its own success. Dramatic Expansion The Pune of today bears little resemblance to the city that existed four decades ago. The metropolitan region has expanded so dramatically that the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority was created to manage the twin cities of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad along with their rapidly urbanising hinterland. Growth began gathering pace around 1985 and became exponential after 2000. Education, employment and the city’s reputation as a centre for competitive-examination preparation have turned Pune into a magnet for young people from across Maharashtra. But the city’s attraction becomes particularly powerful during a drought. The precedent is the drought of 1972, when large numbers of people from rural Maharashtra arrived in Pune. They settled in places such as Dandekar Bridge, Parvati and Yerwada, often in informal settlements that eventually became established parts of the city. Some of those migrants subsequently entered municipal and state politics, becoming corporators and even MLAs. Their journey illustrates an enduring feature of migration: what begins as an emergency response to rural distress can permanently alter the social and political geography of a city. Pune offered water, open spaces and the prospect of earning a living. Between 1972 and 1974, the municipal corporation and other government agencies were forced to create infrastructure and services to accommodate the influx, at considerable cost. Second Migration The coming migration may be different in composition but no less consequential. An estimated 200,000 to 250,000 students from rural Maharashtra are already living in Pune to prepare for competitive examinations or pursue careers. A large proportion come from farming and agriculture-dependent families. Their rents, food and other expenses are often financed by money sent from their villages. If drought cuts farm incomes, the consequences will travel with the students to Pune. Their ability to pay rent and sustain themselves will weaken precisely when opportunities for low-skilled employment in the city remain limited and wages are often modest. That could create a new kind of urban distress in form of a financially vulnerable population already embedded in the city. Pune also has less room to absorb another large migration than it did in 1972. Its central areas and suburbs are heavily congested, while housing costs have risen sharply. New arrivals are therefore likely to push further beyond the existing urban fringe. That would turn migration into an infrastructure problem: water supply, sanitation, transport, housing and other basic services would have to follow people into areas that are still being urbanised. Water may prove the most immediate pressure point. The state has experienced below-normal rainfall, with the deficit reportedly exceeding 17 percent of the norm in some assessments. Western Maharashtra received substantial rain in July, allowing Pune’s principal reservoirs - Bhama-Askhed, Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar - to reach full capacity. But weaker rainfall around Pune in September has renewed concern among water-resource officials and meteorological experts. Rising temperatures could increase evaporation and household consumption, narrowing the margin available to the city. Pune’s water managers may therefore have to think beyond reservoir levels and prepare for demand created by migration. A rural water crisis, if poorly managed, can become an urban governance crisis.

Lung health awareness should be prioritised

Dr. Abhijit Ahuja
Dec 17, 2024
3 min read
Ustad Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain Succumbs to Rare Lung Disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): A Wake-Up Call for Lung Health Awareness Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Abhijit Ahuja from Saifee Hospital underscores the importance of early diagnosis and public awareness.


Zakir Hussain’s untimely demise has highlighted the devastating impact of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare and chronic lung disease often overlooked due to its silent progression. This condition leads to irreversible thickening and scarring of the lung tissues (fibrosis), impairing the lungs’ ability to function. The exact cause of this life-threatening condition remains unknown, which is why it is termed “idiopathic.”


According to Dr. Abhijit Ahuja, a leading pulmonologist at Saifee Hospital, there is an urgent need for public education regarding IPF. “Many people are unaware of IPF, and its symptoms are often dismissed as minor or age-related. Tragically, most diagnoses occur at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” stated Dr. Ahuja.


Recognizing the Symptoms of IPF

IPF begins with subtle symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose early. Patients and healthcare providers must be vigilant about the following signs:

• Persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity

• Chronic dry cough that does not improve over time

• Unexplained fatigue and general weakness

• Sudden, unintended weight loss


“Many patients with IPF misinterpret their symptoms as signs of aging or other common respiratory problems. Unfortunately, this leads to delayed diagnosis,” Dr. Ahuja explained. Diagnosis involves a detailed review of the patient’s medical history, high-resolution CT scans, and lung function tests to confirm the presence of fibrosis.


Treatment and Management Options

While there is no cure for IPF, recent advancements in medicine offer hope by slowing the disease’s progression and managing symptoms effectively. Treatments used at institutions like Saifee Hospital include:

1. Antifibrotic Drugs: Medications like pirfenidone and nintedanib significantly reduce the progression of scarring in the lungs.

2. Oxygen Therapy: Providing supplemental oxygen helps manage breathlessness and improves patients’ energy levels.

3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Structured programs of breathing exercises and physical training enhance lung capacity, stamina, and quality of life.

4. Lung Transplantation: For severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered a life-saving option.


Dr. Ahuja emphasized, “The combination of antifibrotic drugs, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation can slow disease progression and improve patients’ lives. However, the success of these treatments hinges on early detection.”


Prognosis and Early Detection

IPF is a rapidly progressing disease with a poor prognosis. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention can extend survival and significantly enhance quality of life.


Dr. Ahuja added, “Regular health check-ups and vigilance about respiratory health are vital. Early intervention is the only way to ensure a better prognosis for IPF patients.”


A Call for Greater Awareness

The tragic passing of Zakir Hussain has underscored the importance of raising awareness about rare diseases like IPF. Many people remain unaware of IPF’s early symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.


Dr. Ahuja stated, “Awareness campaigns should emphasize that persistent shortness of breath and a chronic cough should never be ignored. Early referral to pulmonologists and tests like CT scans are crucial for identifying this disease at its initial stages.”


Saifee Hospital is actively involved in spreading awareness about lung diseases, offering cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and providing comprehensive care for patients with IPF and other respiratory conditions.


Supporting IPF Patients and Families

IPF is not just physically debilitating—it also takes a severe mental and emotional toll on patients. Family members and caregivers play an integral role in helping patients cope with the challenges of daily life.


Dr. Ahuja added, “While medical care is critical, psychological support for patients and their families is equally important. Addressing the emotional and mental strain can significantly improve the overall well-being of those living with IPF.”


Zakir Hussain’s Passing: A Lesson for All

Zakir Hussain’s untimely demise is a somber reminder of the need to prioritize lung health. It urges individuals to seek medical attention for unexplained breathlessness or persistent coughing and emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing severe outcomes.


Dr. Abhijit Ahuja of Saifee Hospital concluded, “Every individual experiencing symptoms like breathlessness or an unrelenting dry cough should consult a pulmonologist promptly. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.”


Let us honor Zakir Hussain’s legacy by spreading awareness about IPF and supporting those battling this rare and life-altering condition.


(The author is a leading pulmonologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. Views personal.)

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