Facing one of its most challenging water shortages in recent years, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is exploring the possibility of artificial rain through cloud seeding to improve water levels in reservoirs supplying the city. The move comes as delayed monsoon rains and declining dam storage have forced civic authorities to impose alternate-day water supply across Pune.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting involving leaders from multiple political parties, with officials directed to examine whether artificial rain could help replenish water reserves if rainfall remains inadequate in the coming weeks.
PMC Orders Feasibility Study
According to Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, the administration has been asked to prepare a detailed report on the technical feasibility, costs and effectiveness of cloud seeding. The study will also evaluate experiences from other states where similar weather modification experiments have been conducted.
Authorities are considering conducting a pilot project in the catchment areas of key dams supplying water to Pune. Experts and specialised agencies will be consulted before any final decision is taken.
Water Supply Under Severe Stress
Pune depends primarily on the Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon and Temghar dams, while some parts of the city receive water from the Bhama Askhed and Pavana reservoirs. Due to declining water levels, PMC introduced alternate-day water supply from June 15 and imposed restrictions on non-essential water usage, including vehicle washing, swimming pools, gardening and construction activities.
The delayed arrival of the monsoon has worsened the situation across Pune district. Rural regions have also witnessed growing dependence on water tankers, with thousands of residents relying on emergency supplies for daily needs.
Cloud Seeding Could Cost ₹6 Crore
Reports indicate that the proposed artificial rain experiment may cost around ₹6 crore. Civic leaders are exploring the possibility of funding the initiative through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions rather than burdening municipal finances.
The plan would focus on inducing rainfall in areas where cloud formation is already present, with the objective of increasing inflows into dam catchments and improving overall water availability.
Growing City, Growing Water Demand
Pune’s rapid expansion has significantly increased pressure on available water resources. The city’s population has continued to grow while its geographic boundaries have expanded through successive mergers. Officials estimate that Pune requires substantially more water than what has been officially allocated, creating a persistent supply-demand gap.
With weather forecasts still indicating uncertainty around monsoon performance, PMC is evaluating all available options to prevent a deeper water crisis in the months ahead.
Summary
The Pune Municipal Corporation is studying the feasibility of artificial rain through cloud seeding to improve reservoir levels amid a worsening water crisis. With delayed monsoon rains forcing alternate-day water supply and restrictions on water usage, officials believe a pilot cloud-seeding project could help boost dam storage. The proposed initiative may cost around ₹6 crore and could be funded through CSR contributions.
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