Pune: Wagholi Faces Severe Water Crisis As Bhima River Barrage Runs Dry, Supply Comes To A Halt
Pune: Wagholi Faces Severe Water Crisis As Bhima River Barrage Runs Dry, Supply Comes To A Halt
Pune, June 20, 2026: Wagholi is facing a severe water shortage after the Bhima River barrage at Vadhu Budruk, a key source of water supply to the area, ran completely dry, leading to the suspension of water supply from Friday.
Local representatives have warned that residents may have to endure acute water scarcity until adequate rainfall replenishes water sources. In response to the crisis, corporator Ramdas Dabhade has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to immediately begin supplying water through tankers.
Dabhade, along with civic officials, visited the barrage at Vadhu Budruk and found that the water storage had been completely exhausted. Until recently, Wagholi residents were receiving water on alternate days, providing some relief despite the shortage. However, with the source now depleted, the situation has become critical.
Residents said that even before the current crisis, many housing societies in Wagholi were dependent on private water tankers. With the municipal supply now stopped, more households may be forced to purchase water, adding to their financial burden.
The same barrage also supplies water to Kesnand village, which is now expected to face similar shortages.
The delayed arrival of the monsoon has worsened the situation, raising concerns over the availability of tanker services as demand increases across the region. Dabhade has requested PMC officials to make emergency arrangements and ensure regular tanker supply to affected areas.
MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and appealed to residents to use water judiciously. He stated that discussions are underway with senior Irrigation Department officials to release water into the river and find a solution at the earliest.
Corporator Ratnamala Satav also demanded immediate tanker supply for Wagholi and called for the expedited completion of the Bhama Askhed water supply project to provide a long-term solution.
Corporator Shailjit Bansode said that residents who regularly pay taxes deserve basic civic amenities and urged PMC to coordinate with the Irrigation Department and start tanker services without delay.
With rainfall still awaited, residents fear that the water crisis could deepen further in the coming days unless urgent measures are taken.
