Pune Water Crisis: Balewadi Welfare Federation Urges Housing Societies To Adopt Rainwater Harvesting
Pune Water Crisis: Balewadi Welfare Federation Urges Housing Societies To Adopt Rainwater Harvesting
Pune, July 14, 2026: Balewadi Welfare Federation (BWF) recently organized a seminar on “Water Recharge and Conservation” to address the growing concerns of water scarcity in Pune. Renowned water conservation expert Satish Khade delivered a powerful message urging housing societies to act immediately: “Think of the next generation – start saving water today.”
Pune ended June with one of its driest months, recording a 57% deficit in rainfall. This raised concerns over drinking water supply and forced the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to introduce alternate water distribution, increasing dependence on tankers.
Khade highlighted that 65% of Pune’s water supply comes from dams and 35% from groundwater reserves, which are rapidly depleting due to urban expansion and rising population. He warned that unless rainwater harvesting systems are implemented and maintained seriously, the city could face an unprecedented water crisis.
Satish Khade cautioned:
“The rising population has created a demand–supply imbalance in highly clustered and concretized urban areas. Runoff water is a growing concern, and rampant high‑rise construction has punctured aquifers, disturbing natural absorption, percolation, and groundwater networks. This is a stark reminder of why we must work for groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting. Pollution of water bodies and the alarming decline in recharge capacity demand urgent action. I strongly recommend that all housing societies and institutional premises adopt rainwater harvesting. We have successfully cleaned a local nala using bioenzyme treatment — a sustainable model that can be replicated at both citizen and community levels across Pune.”
During the seminar, Khade demonstrated practical solutions such as installing aerators and flow regulators on taps to reduce water wastage. He emphasized that citizens, administrators, and representatives must treat water scarcity and climate change as urgent priorities.
The event also featured a live demonstration of the rainwater harvesting system at Aditya Bridge Society, Balewadi, where contractor Ramesh Gayake answered residents’ queries. BWF President Ramesh Rokade assured that the Federation will continue to lead awareness campaigns, a commitment widely appreciated by attendees. He emphasized: “With community rainwater harvesting and citizen participation, we can secure Pune’s long‑term water security and reduce dependence on tankers.”
Satish Khade, author of “Abhinav Jalnayak”, has been working on water literacy and environmental protection for over thirteen years. His efforts have earned him recognition and awards from multiple organizations.
The seminar concluded with a felicitation of Khade by community leaders including Dafedar Singh, Ashish Kotamkar, Shakeel Salati, Vandana Chaudhary, and Shailesh Patil. Aditya Bridge Secretary Mangalmurti welcomed participants, while Yogesh Dumbare conducted the proceedings and delivered the vote of thanks. Contributions from Moreswar Balwadkar, Vaibhav Aadhav, Shubhangi Ingwale, Nilesh Baste, Yogendra Singh, and Yash Chaudhary ensured the success of the program.
