Irked over dwindling water pressure, residents fear alternate-day supply to deepen supply woes

Pune: Residents across Pune are bracing for a tougher summer as fears mount over Pune Municipal Corporation’s planned alternate-day water supply from next week. Across several parts of the city, citizens say the taps are already running drier by the day. The proposed cuts, they warned, could push an already strained system to the brink.In neighbourhoods like NIBM Road, residents said they were already battling dwindling water supply for weeks. The shortage has forced families to ration water use, plan daily routines around uncertain supply hours and constantly worry about running out. Similar distress echoes from Shivajinagar and Kothrud, where the on-ground reality fails to match PMC’s official supply schedule.“We are supposed to get water for at least five hours, but in reality, it barely lasts for three,” Vijay Kapse from Shivajinagar said.The crisis is no longer limited to traditionally water-stressed pockets. Even areas like Prabhat Road and Bhandarkar Road, once considered relatively secure, are now feeling the pinch, with residents complaining of a steady decline in both water pressure and availability over the past few years.“Water was never a concern here earlier. But now, the pressure has dropped, supply has reduced and managing daily needs has become a challenge. If alternate-day cuts begin, things could become far worse,” Suraj Kale from Bhandarkar Road said.A senior Congress corporator slammed PMC for failing to complete the long-pending equitable water supply project, meant to reduce losses and stabilise pressure across the system. “The residents are paying the price for administrative lapses. Without proper planning and a clear supply schedule, the situation will only deteriorate,” the corporator said.For its part, PMC has sought to reassure residents, even as anxiety builds. Officials said a detailed water schedule would be released soon and promise that areas already on alternate-day supply would not face additional reductions. “We will try to strike a balance while finalising the schedule, Efforts will be made to maintain adequate water pressure and ensure swift restoration after shutdowns,” an official said.