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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.

Where Serenity Meets Adventure

Writer: Archita Redkar
Archita Redkar
Apr 2
3 min read

From temple rituals and volcanic landscapes to parasailing over the Indian Ocean, Bali offers a rare blend of thrill, spirituality and calm.

There are places you visit, and then there are places that stay with you forever. Bali, the famed “Island of the Gods”, is one such place. Part of Indonesia—the world’s largest archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands—Bali is more than a destination; it is an experience woven with spirituality, adventure and timeless culture.


With my group headed for water sports at Tanjung Benoa, some of us decided to try parasailing. There was nervous excitement all around, but after watching me go first, the others soon followed.


Strapped into the parachute, I was gently lifted into the sky as the speedboat gathered pace. Soon, I was soaring above the blue Indian Ocean, with tiny boats below and a coastline of golden sands, swaying palms and turquoise waves stretching into the distance.


What made it unforgettable was not just the thrill but the sudden calm. Suspended between sky and sea, everything felt still. In that moment, Bali seemed to reveal its magic—the perfect balance of adventure and serenity. My group members felt the same when they took their turn.


Bali lies between Java and Lombok, making it an important cultural and geographical link in Indonesia. Its dramatic volcanic landscape, dominated by Mount Agung, shapes both its ecology and spiritual beliefs.


Historically, Bali remains a stronghold of Hindu culture in a predominantly Muslim nation, with ancient traditions, rituals and temple ceremonies preserved for centuries. It also plays a vital role in Indonesia’s tourism-driven economy and regularly hosts global events, strengthening its international profile.


Bali’s spiritual soul is reflected in its many temples, each with its own beauty and sacred significance. Tanah Lot Temple rises dramatically from a sea rock and is famed for its breathtaking sunsets and mystical connection to the ocean. Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff 70 metres above the sea, offers sweeping views and is especially known for its enchanting Kecak dance performances at dusk. Besakih Temple, revered as the “Mother Temple” of Bali, stands on the slopes of Mount Agung and is regarded as the island’s spiritual heart. Tirta Empul Temple is celebrated for its holy spring water, where devotees and visitors alike take part in ancient purification rituals. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, set against the tranquil waters of Lake Beratan, appears to float gracefully, symbolising harmony between humanity and nature.


More than architectural landmarks, these temples are living sanctuaries of faith, where daily offerings, prayers and rituals reveal the quiet depth of Bali’s spiritual discipline.


Bali offers something for every traveller—from Ubud’s art, wellness and rice terraces to Seminyak’s chic cafés, beaches and nightlife; the lush beauty of Tegallalang Rice Terraces; and Nusa Penida’s dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Each destination reveals a different side of the island’s personality.


The best time to visit Bali is from April to October, during the dry season, when clear skies and pleasant weather are ideal for sightseeing, water sports and outdoor exploration. The monsoon months, from November to March, bring occasional rain but also make the island even greener.


Bali is served by Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, with major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Garuda Indonesia operating flights. Travellers from India usually connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Doha.


Blessed with lush forests, volcanic mountains, waterfalls and vibrant coral reefs, Bali is a land of striking natural beauty. Its traditional subak irrigation system reflects the island’s harmony between agriculture and spirituality. Fertile volcanic soil supports rice, coffee and tropical fruits, while rich marine biodiversity draws divers from around the world.


Bali’s cuisine is equally memorable, with favourites such as nasi goreng and satay, along with fresh fruits like salak, mangosteen and dragon fruit. Bali coffee, fresh coconut water and traditional herbal drinks such as jamu add to the island’s distinctive flavours.


Bali is a delight for shoppers and art lovers, with hand-carved wooden sculptures, Celuk’s intricate silver jewellery, batik textiles and colourful sarongs—all available at affordable prices in the markets of Ubud and Seminyak.


What truly makes Bali and Indonesia special is their people. Their warmth and kindness are deeply rooted in culture, and even a simple smile or small gesture leaves a lasting impression.


Indonesia also teaches you to slow down and savour the moment. In Bali, we did not just explore a destination—we felt we rediscovered ourselves. That, perhaps, is Bali’s greatest magic: it does not just leave you with memories but with meaning.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)


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