Maharashtra, one of India’s most urbanized and industrialized states, is facing the intensifying consequences of climate change and unplanned urbanization. From severe heatwaves to critical water shortages, these challenges are reshaping how cities function-and how future infrastructure must evolve. For urban hubs like Pune, these environmental pressures also impact long-term livability and real estate development.
A Heatwave Emergency Unfolding
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about abnormally high summer temperatures and prolonged heatwave conditions in 2025. Cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur are witnessing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where concrete-heavy areas trap heat, making them significantly warmer than surrounding rural regions.
The consequences? Higher energy consumption, health risks, and an overall decline in urban comfort. For homebuyers seeking luxury apartments in Pune, these environmental factors are becoming a serious consideration in their investment decisions.
Drought Conditions: 14 Districts Relying on Tankers
Due to a lack of rainfall and insufficient groundwater recharge, 14 districts in Maharashtra, including Pune, Satara, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, are depending on tanker water supply. Currently, 223 tankers serve 178 villages and 606 hamlets across these regions. Although dam water levels are slightly better than last year (42.42% this year vs. 34.43% in 2023), the demand continues to outpace supply.
In Satara alone, 40 tankers are in operation-the highest among all districts-underscoring the severity of the situation.
Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Struggle: Illegal Pumping Adds Pressure
In urban areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad, the crisis takes another turn. Residents in high-rises have begun illegally connecting electric pumps to municipal taps, intensifying water shortages for others. The local corporation recently seized 25 such setups and issued warnings against unauthorized usage.
This reflects a deeper issue of strained infrastructure and enforcement breakdown, made worse by the rapid rise of residential projects in Hinjewadi and other IT-centric suburbs. When basic resources like water become competitive, even upscale societies face challenges.
Soaring Costs: Municipal Bills Quadruple in 5 Years
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is feeling the heat-financially. The city’s water bills to the state’s water department have quadrupled in five years, from Rs. 50–55 crore in 2020-21 to over Rs. 202 crore in 2024-25.
Though PMC is sanctioned 14.62 TMC of water, it extracts 18–19 TMC to meet population needs, leading to penalties and industrial-rate charges. These costs indirectly affect property taxes, maintenance charges, and the cost of home ownership-even for buyers looking at premium 2 ,3 BHK flats in Hinjewadi Pune.
Depleting Groundwater and the Need for Scientific Planning
As surface water becomes unreliable, more communities are turning to unregulated groundwater extraction. This can lead to aquifer depletion, land subsidence, and irreversible ecological damage.
Thankfully, models like the Advanced Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWRDM) are making an impact. For over 25 years, ACWRDM has been educating communities about sustainable groundwater usage and was recently recognized by India’s Ministry of Science and Technology and awarded the International Water Prize 2024.
Real Estate’s Role: PridePurple’s Sustainable Approach
At PridePurple, we understand that urban development must go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Our projects-like Park Titan and Park Astra-demonstrate how future-ready design can address today’s challenges.
From automated irrigation systems and water-efficient fixtures to heat-reducing layouts and scientifically planned drainage, our goal is to build homes that are not just luxurious, but also resilient. Buyers looking to buy property in Pune are increasingly prioritizing homes that offer comfort without compromising sustainability-and we’re proud to lead that change.
Whether it’s a smartly designed 2 BHK flat in Hinjewadi Pune for a young family or a spacious 3 BHK flat in Hinjewadi Pune for a growing household, our homes are built to adapt to the environmental realities of tomorrow.
What’s Next?
In the next part of this blog series, we’ll explore how global leaders like Singapore have tackled urban climate stress and what Pune can learn from these models. It’s time to shift from crisis response to long-term strategy-and real estate developers must lead from the front.
Climate change isn’t a distant threat-it’s here. Maharashtra’s urban infrastructure, water supply systems, and housing patterns must evolve rapidly. Whether you’re a homebuyer, investor, or policymaker, now is the time to demand and support climate-resilient developments.
If you’re looking for sustainable luxury apartments in Pune or want to invest in residential projects in Hinjewadi that anticipate tomorrow’s challenges, PridePurple offers the perfect blend of comfort, innovation, and responsibility.