Pune: PMC Explores Artificial Rain As Low Rainfall Threatens City’s Water Supply
Pune: PMC Explores Artificial Rain As Low Rainfall Threatens City's Water Supply
Pune, June 30, 2026: With inadequate rainfall continuing in Pune city and the catchment areas of the dams supplying water to the city despite the onset of the monsoon, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun exploring the possibility of artificial rain (cloud seeding) to address the emerging water shortage.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of party leaders, where Mayor Manjusha Nagpure directed Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to examine the feasibility of artificial rain. The civic administration has been asked to identify agencies capable of carrying out cloud seeding, assess its effectiveness, and submit a detailed report at the earliest.
According to PMC officials, the chain of dams supplying water to Pune currently holds only 3.60 TMC of water, which is estimated to meet the city’s needs for only the next two months. In view of the declining water reserves, the civic body has also decided to extend water cuts to the eastern parts of Pune that receive water from the Bhama Askhed Dam.
Meanwhile, the PMC has announced a temporary suspension of water cuts during the Ashadhi Wari Palkhi stay in Pune on July 9 and 10. Mayor Nagpure said residents across the city will receive 24-hour water supply during the two-day religious event to facilitate arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.
Leader of the House Ganesh Bidkar was also present during the meeting where the decisions were discussed.
