The allotted quota is 14.6 TMC, but the administration reportedly lifted around 18 TMC to 20 TMC of water annually. The civic body cited an increase in population, because of the merger of 32 villages and an increase in the floating population, as the reason for the hike in use. The civic water supply department demanded a revision of the water quota and said it needed to be increased to at least 21 TMC.“The administration must make efforts to resolve this issue amicably. The city is expanding day by day and so is the demand for water. The lifting of more water is a necessity and has been given to the citizens only. The discrimination against the citizens of Pune is wrong,” said Nilesh Nikam, leader of opposition in PMC.The area under PMC’s jurisdiction expanded to 518 sq km, up from 334 sq km earlier, following the merger of 34 villages, making it the largest municipal corporation, surpassing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) that covers about 440 sq km.“We oppose the demand. The issue will be raised to the state govt. The civic body will not have to pay the dues, which are unjust. The matter is already being taken on a legal platform,” said Ganesh Bidkar, BJP party leader in PMC.In July 2025, PMC put forth a demand before the irrigation department for a 21 TMC yearly water quota for the year 2025-26. The irrigation department, however, sanctioned only a 14.6 TMC annual water quota for PMC.“The quota provided by irrigation is not enough. The city’s population soared past 80 lakh, including a significant floating population. The water should be adequate for it. The PMC is also making efforts to make sure that water wastage is reduced. Steps are also taken to reduce water leakages. The equitable water supply scheme was planned to save water. So PMC should get more water,” said a senior official of PMC.
