Pune: Demand for Water Tankers Surges Amid Soaring Temperatures and Worsening Water Crisis
Pune is witnessing a sharp rise in the demand for water tankers, especially in the newly merged villages of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), as temperatures soar and water scarcity intensifies. According to PMC data, the number of water tanker trips recorded between January and March has steadily increased over the past four years, highlighting the growing water crisis in the city.
Between January and March 2021-22, a total of 81,361 tanker trips were made. This number rose to 87,420 in 2022-23, 104,830 in 2023-24, and touched a staggering 126,110 trips during the same period in 2024-25. The highest demand has been reported from the 34 villages merged with the PMC since 2017, indicating severe water shortages in these areas.
Initially, the estimated population of these merged villages was 11.14 lakh. However, a recent study has projected this number to reach 18.11 lakh by next year. While PMC claims to have developed water supply networks in 11 villages, including Dhayari, Nanded, Nandoshi, Dhawade, Uruli Devachi, Phursungi, Mundhwa, Keshav Nagar, and Manjari, residents continue to rely heavily on water tankers due to incomplete infrastructure.
The PMC’s 2023-24 water budget assumed a 2% annual population growth, accounting for 2.98 lakh people from 11 merged villages and 8.16 lakh from 23 other merged villages. The total water budget was set at 20.90 TMC, based on a projected population of 72.81 lakh, 35% water leakage, and a 5% floating population.
Water tanker charges have also surged amid the ongoing crisis. While a normal tanker carrying mixed potable and borewell water used to cost around ₹800, the current rates have risen to ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 due to the increased demand during summer. The PMC’s official rate for 10,000 litres of water is ₹666, but private suppliers are charging between ₹1,500 and ₹1,700, citing fuel and driver costs.
Residents of housing societies in areas like Keshav Nagar and Manjari report that while a limited number of tankers are provided free-of-charge by PMC, the majority must be purchased privately, leading to significant financial strain.
Despite PMC’s appeal for citizens to report instances of overcharging by tanker suppliers, there have been no official complaints so far.
Water leakage remains a persistent issue across Pune, with 35% of water being lost due to leakages in both old and newly merged areas. While leakage detection and repair works have been completed in 50 out of 141 zones, newly merged villages have seen a 40% increase in tanker demand due to inadequate water supply.
Efforts to improve water distribution in certain city areas like Baner, Balewadi, and Pashan have shown positive results. However, the challenge of ensuring adequate and affordable water supply to the rapidly growing population in the merged villages continues to test the PMC’s resources and planning.
