Pune Water Crisis Worsens: Tanker Dependence Becomes Year – Round Reality
Pune Civic Body Spends Over ₹27 Crore On Water Tankers
Pune, April 29, 2026: Pune city is witnessing a sharp rise in dependence on water tankers as widening gaps in municipal supply continue to strain residents, according to recent data from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The figures indicate that tanker usage is no longer limited to peak summer months but has evolved into a year-round necessity in several parts of the city.
PMC records reveal a steady increase in tanker trips over the past three years. The number rose from 4,00,348 trips in 2023 – 24 to 4,89,202 in 2024 – 25, and further climbed by nearly 6% to 5,17,422 in 2025 – 26. This upward trend highlights mounting pressure on Pune’s water distribution infrastructure.
Officials attribute the surge to rapid population growth, expanding city limits, and uneven water supply, particularly in newly developed areas.
Demand for tankers typically peaks between March and May, when reservoir levels decline and water consumption rises. In 2025 – 26, March alone recorded 58,345 tanker trips, the highest monthly figure in the last three years.
Private tanker operators dominate the supply system, accounting for over 80% of total trips annually. There has also been a notable rise in emergency or “on-call” tanker deployments, with 49,645 such trips recorded in 2025–26, indicating that existing arrangements are struggling to meet demand.
Although PMC-operated tanker trips increased slightly from around 27,000 to 32,000 over the past three years, the growth has not matched overall demand, further increasing reliance on private suppliers.
Several rapidly developing and peripheral areas including Undri, Pisoli, Mohammedwadi, Bavdhan, Sus, Narhe, Ambegaon, Dhayari, Wagholi, and parts of Kharadi remain heavily dependent on tankers due to inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent civic water supply.
Residents say tanker dependence has become routine. Sunil Aiyer, a resident of Undri, noted that most housing societies rely on private tankers throughout the year. He added that following a recent tanker strike, operators have demanded a nearly 35% hike in rates, which could further burden residents.
Experts warn that the situation may worsen if adverse weather patterns emerge. The potential impact of El Niño could lead to deficient rainfall and higher temperatures, intensifying water scarcity and further increasing dependence on tankers in Pune and surrounding areas.
