Pune: 30% Dip In Autade–Handewadi Lake Water Level, Residents Flag RMC Plants; Supriya Sule Seeks Probe
Pune: 30% Dip In Autade–Handewadi Lake Water Level, Residents Flag RMC Plants; Supriya Sule Seeks Probe
Pune: A sharp decline in the water level of Autade–Handewadi Lake has raised serious environmental concerns, with local residents alleging illegal water extraction by nearby Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants. Over the past two months, the lake’s water level has reportedly dropped by nearly 30 percent, a reduction that residents say cannot be attributed to evaporation alone given Pune’s current weather conditions.
Locals have repeatedly raised their voice against the functioning of RMC plants in the area, blaming them for excessive water withdrawal, pollution, and the steady depletion of the lake. According to residents, large quantities of water are being drawn from the lake and nearby wells through pipelines laid specifically to supply the RMC plants. They have demanded an immediate investigation into the source and legality of the water being used for these industrial operations.
The issue has now gained political attention, with Nationalist Congress Party leader and MP Supriya Sule tweeting about the matter and tagging the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Environment Minister Pankaja Munde, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). In her tweet, Sule highlighted the alarming reduction in the lake’s water level and called for urgent action to protect the natural water source.
As per MPCB guidelines, industrial projects are not permitted to draw water from natural sources without prior approval. The rules also mandate the reuse and recycling of water generated during industrial processes. Residents allege that these norms are being violated in the Autade–Handewadi area and have urged authorities to conduct an immediate inspection.
औताडेवाडी तलावातील पाण्याच्या पातळीत मोठ्या प्रमाणात घट झाल्याचे समोर आले आहे. गेल्या दोन महिन्यांत या तलावाचे पाणी सुमारे 30 टक्क्यांची कमी झाले. पुण्याचे सध्याचे हवामान पाहता जलपातळीत झालेली ही घट केवळ बाष्पीभवनामुळे झालेली नाही. परिसरात रेडी टू मिक्स आरएमसी प्लँट आहे. या…
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) December 25, 2025
In a direct appeal to the state’s Environment Minister, citizens have demanded a thorough inquiry into the alleged illegal water extraction from Autade–Handewadi Lake and strict action against violators. With growing concerns over water security and environmental damage, residents say safeguarding the lake is crucial for the area’s ecological balance and long-term sustainability.
