Fight Against Water Crisis: Pune restaurants and housing complexes take a step ahead to save water  

Restaurants and housing complexes have taken the matter in their own hands to save water and prevent water wastage in their premises by taking small steps. They claim these steps have helped them cope up with the on-going water crisis in Pune.

16 April 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

Pune has been undergoing a water crisis lately. Citizens are experiencing a citywide shortage of water. Commercial spots including restaurants, cafes and housing complexes have been struggling to keep up with the lack of water availability in their areas. There is a constant surge in the number of water tankers being demanded from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) as people complain that they have not been supplying enough water lately. 

As a result of this, various restaurants, eateries and housing complexes have taken up initiatives to deal with the water shortage and use the resource in a more efficient way. These steps are being taken to reduce water wastage as much as possible. 

One such restaurant which has come to the limelight is Roopali, located on Fergusson College Road. It has taken steps to curb water shortage, while simultaneously utilising water judiciously. 

The restaurant manager Sadashiv elaborated on how Roopali is striking a balanced approach when it comes to water scarcity in Pune. He further added, “We have stopped offering water voluntarily to customers as soon as they come to dine. It is only when they ask for water, we provide them with it.” It saves the water from being wasted as some customers only drink a few sips or half a glass of water, and the rest of it is thrown away. Therefore instead of glasses to provide water, they have introduced the usage of packaged drinking water such as Bisleri, which is a chargeable commodity and can be taken by customers after they are done dining. 

Housing complex on NIBM road in Kondhwa has taken up the task of saving water amidst the growing water crisis. The society has asked its members to use water judiciously. The management committee also has informed the residents that the water supply shall remain closed during 1 pm and 4 pm everyday for the next one month. They encourage their residents to use a bucket and cloth to wash their cars as it reduces water wastage. Other residential societies have adopted water supply timings in slots, such as 12 am to 6 am and 1 pm to 5 pm, which has helped them save a considerable amount of water.