Pune district’s rural water crisis is continuing despite the area receiving 819 mm of rainfall, or about 95% of its average, with tankers currently supplying five villages and 53 hamlets, according to the Zilla Parishad’s Rural Water Supply Department. The emergency supply is benefiting approximately 18,650 residents across the district.
Eight tankers have been deployed, with operations currently underway in parts of Baramati, Daund and Indapur talukas. The administration said it is monitoring local conditions and approving additional tankers wherever required. Most tanker trips are being completed according to schedule, the department said.
The continuing scarcity has prompted the administration to approve 294 new borewell projects to strengthen water availability in rural areas. Around ₹2.49 crore has been allocated for the projects, and drilling work for all the approved borewells has been completed, according to the department.
A further 611 borewell repair works have also been approved, with an estimated allocation of ₹2.56 crore. The repairs are intended to restore defunct borewells and improve the output of sources that are currently supplying inadequate water. The administration is also acquiring private wells and borewells where necessary to maintain supplies in affected areas.
The government has separately granted administrative approval for special repairs to 33 rural piped water-supply schemes. Approval has also been given for 10 water-source strengthening works and 21 projects involving well deepening and desilting. Together, these works have received sanctions totalling approximately ₹5.36 crore.
The department reported that works under regional water-supply schemes at Morgaon, Regional Bele and Regional Shivri have been completed. The measures are part of the district’s broader effort to stabilise rural water sources while tanker operations continue in areas where regular supplies remain inadequate.
The district administration and the Rural Water Supply Department are preparing a contingency plan for potential water scarcity from October 2026 to June 2027. Officials have been instructed to take steps to maintain adequate water supply in rural areas during this period. The administration said it would continue monitoring conditions and implement measures according to local requirements.
