After Bengaluru, Pune Grapples with Water Crisis Due to Falling Groundwater Levels; Residents Express Worry

The water problem in Pune is serious. People living in different neighborhoods are worried because they’re not getting enough water. This March, the situation got worse.

Just like Bengaluru, Pune is also facing a big water problem. The wells that provide water are running dry, and the water underground is decreasing. Even though it’s just the start of summer, people are finding it hard to get enough water for their daily needs. They’re trying things like collecting rainwater and saving water, but it’s not enough.

People living in housing societies are worried. For example, in one place called Ambegaon Budruk, they used to get enough water from four wells to fill two big water tankers every day. But now, they can barely fill one tanker. Even the tanker that deliver water are having trouble finding enough water.

Residents of Pune shared that many new wells were dug in the area last year, but now those wells barely produce any water. Previously, they could supply water continuously for 20 minutes, but now they only provide water for about two minutes before running dry.

What is more adding to the crisis is water storage in Khadakwasla, Panshet, Temghar and Varasgaon — four major dams in Pune that provide drinking water to the city. The water level in these dams is 60.48 per cent at present. Moreover, the water storage in Ujjani dam, which supplies water to Solapur district, has alarmingly reached zero per cent.

The authorities says the situation is serious. They’re asking people to be careful with water. They’re saying not to waste water, and to be mindful of the cost of water from tankers. Some people are also saying that things like rain dances and pool parties waste a lot of water, and we should do less of them.