Pune: As Pune's population continues to grow, so does its demand for water. For the upcoming year 2024-25, the municipal corporation has requested a water quota of 21.48 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet).
Last year, despite requesting 20.90 TMC, only 12.82 TMC was approved. Whether Pune residents will receive the required amount of water this year or if the Irrigation Department will reduce the quota again remains to be seen.
Pune's water supply comes mainly from the Khadakwasla Dam Project, along with Bhama Askhed Dam and Ravet Barrage. The municipal corporation has an agreement with the Irrigation Department to provide 12.41 TMC of water annually.
However, with the city's increasing population and the inclusion of 34 villages, the water demand is rising every year. According to the State Water Resources Regulation Authority, the municipal corporation must prepare and submit a water budget annually to the Irrigation Department.
This budget accounts for an average 2% increase in the population from the previous year and the 2% increase in the population of the 34 newly included villages.
Including daily commuters, Pune will need to supply water to at least 7,939,974 people in the next year. With a 35% water leakage rate, the municipal corporation has requested 21.84 TMC of water.
Last year, the request was for 20.90 TMC, but only 12.82 TMC was approved. For 2024-25, the Water Supply Department has submitted a budget requesting 21.48 TMC, as presented by Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale.
Population Growth in the 34 Villages
In 2017, 11 villages were included in the Pune Municipal Corporation, followed by 23 more in 2021, making a total of 34 villages. Initially, the water demand was based on a population of 1,114,714 in these villages. However, revised studies show that the population in these 34 villages is actually 1,811,340.
Notably, areas like Dhayari, Nandoshi, Nanded, Kondhwe Dhawade, Ambegaon Khurd, Uruli Devachi, Phursungi, Mundhwa-Keshavnagar, and Manjari have a combined population of 803,313, where 120 liters per person per day is provided according to bulk meter readings.
The remaining villages, with a combined population of 1,011,026, have a lower water pipeline coverage, resulting in a 40% increase in tanker water supply.
Water Demand Breakdown
Water supply through pipelines: 11.17 TMC
Water supply through tankers: 0.19 TMC
For the newly included villages: 2.15 TMC
For floating population: 0.17 TMC
Commercial water use: 0.33 TMC
Water leakage (35%): 7.72 TMC
Total: 21.48 TMC
