Pune Mayor Pushes for Higher Water Allocation as City Faces Growing Demand; Calls for Dam Desilting Plan

Pune: With Pune witnessing rapid urban expansion and increasing pressure on its water resources, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has renewed the demand for a higher annual water allocation for the city. During a meeting with Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil in Mumbai, the mayor requested that Pune’s water quota be increased to 25 TMC annually to address the city’s future requirements.

The demand comes amid growing concerns over whether the existing water supply system can meet the needs of Pune’s expanding population. Over the past few years, several areas have been added to the Pune Municipal Corporation’s limits, increasing the responsibility of the civic body to provide essential services, including a stable water supply.

According to civic officials, the current allocation is under increasing strain due to rising consumption levels and the continued development of residential and commercial areas. The issue has become particularly significant in newly merged areas, where residents have reported challenges related to regular and adequate water availability.

During the meeting, Nagpure highlighted the need for a long-term approach to strengthen Pune’s water management system. She also proposed a special desilting campaign for four important reservoirs connected to the city’s water supply network—Khadakwasla, Varasgaon, Panshet, and Temghar dams.

The proposal focuses on removing accumulated silt from the reservoirs, which officials believe could help restore some of the lost storage capacity and improve the efficiency of the dams. A dedicated committee or mechanism to oversee the desilting process was also discussed during the meeting.

Nagpure said the discussion with the minister was positive and that the concerns raised by the civic administration were acknowledged. She added that appropriate instructions would be given to officials for further action on the proposals.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has been seeking a revision of the city’s water allocation for several years. While the approved quota currently stands at around 14.5 TMC, the civic body has previously sought an increase, arguing that Pune’s changing demographics require a larger and more sustainable water supply arrangement.

Apart from water allocation, the meeting also touched upon environmental and infrastructure-related concerns. The mayor raised the issue of protecting the Mula-Mutha river system and suggested the creation of a dedicated state-level initiative focused on river rejuvenation.

The proposed plan would include measures such as reducing pollution, improving river flow management, controlling flood risks, and undertaking necessary restoration work along the river stretches passing through Pune.

Infrastructure development was another topic discussed during the meeting. Nagpure requested faster approvals from the Water Resources Department for two proposed bridges in the Dhayari area. According to the civic administration, these projects are important for improving local connectivity and helping reduce traffic pressure in the area.

As Pune continues to grow into one of Maharashtra’s largest urban centres, ensuring reliable water availability has become a major priority for city authorities. The focus now remains on whether the proposed increase in water allocation and other measures receive government approval and move towards implementation.