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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.

Monsoon Cravings: Indulge Wisely

Writer: Prekshaa Shah
Prekshaa Shah
Jun 27
3 min read

The secret to enjoying the monsoon isn't giving up your favourite treats—it's balancing indulgence with hygiene, fresh food, and mindful eating.

The monsoon has officially arrived, bringing with it the smell of wet earth and the sound of rain tapping on windows. As the temperature drops and the skies turn grey, who doesn't crave curling up with a plate of hot pakoras and a steaming cup of chai? But while the season brings comfort food to the front of our minds, it also brings a rise in infections, stomach ailments, and seasonal illnesses. Enjoying the monsoon season responsibly means understanding what to eat, what to avoid, and how to keep your immunity strong through the wet months.


Monsoon Cravings

There is a scientific reason behind those sudden cravings for crispy, oily snacks during the rains. Cooler temperatures and lower sunlight can affect serotonin levels, pushing the body toward comfort foods that are warm, spicy, or fried. Add to that the nostalgia of childhood evenings spent watching the rain with a plate of bhajiyas, and it is no surprise that monsoon and fried food have become culturally inseparable in India.


However, giving in to these cravings every single day can do more harm than good. According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire, or "agni", tends to weaken during the monsoon, which may contribute to bloating, indigestion, and acidity, particularly after consuming heavy, oily, or deep-fried foods. The occasional plate of pakoras is a harmless joy, but making fried snacks a daily habit during this season puts unnecessary strain on the gut.


The monsoon is notoriously linked with a rise in water-borne and food-borne illnesses such as typhoid, jaundice, and gastrointestinal infections. Humidity and stagnant water create the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This is precisely why hygiene becomes non-negotiable during these months.


Street food, while tempting, becomes particularly risky in the rains. Chutneys, salads, and cut fruits sold in the open are exposed to moisture and contaminants for long hours, making them a common source of infection. If you must indulge in street food, choose vendors who cook the item fresh in front of you and avoid anything that has been sitting out, especially raw or uncooked items like chaat, salads, or pre-cut fruit.


Raw and undercooked food should be approached with extra caution in monsoon. Leafy vegetables can harbour larvae, eggs, and bacteria that flourish in damp weather. It is advisable to thoroughly wash and, where possible, lightly cook vegetables rather than eating them raw. Similarly, seafood and meat should always be cooked completely, as monsoon humidity accelerates bacterial growth in protein-rich foods.


One of the simplest yet most effective monsoon health rules is to prioritise freshly cooked meals over leftovers or stored food. Humidity speeds up the spoilage process, and food that might last a day or two in dry weather can turn unsafe much faster during the rains. Reheating food multiple times or eating something that has been refrigerated for several days increases the risk of food poisoning.


Try to cook in smaller batches so that meals are consumed fresh, and avoid stockpiling cut vegetables or pre-prepared gravies for too long.


Building Immunity

As monsoon brings a higher risk of seasonal infections, your plate should work double duty: satisfying cravings while also nourishing the body. Warm soups made using herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and pepper not only taste comforting but actively support the immune system. Herbal teas with tulsi, ginger, or cinnamon can help ward off common monsoon colds.


Seasonal fruits like pears and pomegranates are good choices, as they are easier to digest than out-of-season produce. Including probiotics like curd and fermented foods can help maintain gut health, which is closely tied to overall immunity.


Monsoon cravings are not the enemy. The real risk lies in ignoring hygiene, overindulging in oily food, or eating something that has lost its freshness. A balanced approach, where the occasional treat is paired with clean, freshly cooked, and immunity-boosting meals, allows you to enjoy this beautiful season without compromising your health. So next time the rain pours down, savour your cravings mindfully and let your plate be both comforting and wise. Wishing a happy monsoon to all!


(The writer is a specialist in nutrition. Views personal.)

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