Residents step up with water-conservation measures, avoid daily use of washing machines & fit taps with aerators as supply cuts kick in across Pune city

Pune: As alternate-day water supply kicks in, a quiet sense of urgency is sweeping through neighbourhoods across the city. It isn’t panic so much as preparation, with residents avoiding daily use of washing machines, fitting old taps with aerators and treating every drop like it counts.For many residents, “save water” is no longer just a sticker on the tank now, but part of their daily routine. “We have been actively sharing messages in our society group about conserving water. We are also discussing practical steps to minimise wastage,” Kothrud resident Sunil Kulkarni said.The shift is not limited to individuals. Housing society committees are taking a more formal and urgent approach, sending out advisories underlining the seriousness of the situation.

One such message circulating among residents on Paud Road stated: “When water cuts begin, borewell supply will be the only fallback. Therefore, people should avoid heavy water usage, especially activities like running washing machines, on days when municipal supply is restricted.

”On NIBM Road, the tone is even more stark. A society’s message highlighted growing challenges on multiple fronts — inconsistent PMC supply and increasing difficulty in procuring water tankers.

The message painted a sobering picture of a city under stress, urging residents to act responsibly before the situation spiralled further.The residents have been urged to monitor their household consumption closely, cut down on non-essential use, and even ensure that domestic help is mindful of water wastage. The emphasis is clear: Every individual action now matters.PMC officials said awareness efforts were in full swing. “From traditional outreach to social media campaigns, the administration is trying to drive home the importance of conservation. “The response from citizens so far is encouraging. We are urging everyone to strictly follow the water cut schedule and use the natural resource judiciously,” Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the PMC’s water supply department, said.(With inputs from Anjali Jhangiani)