“Water Security in Pune, India: Addressing Urban Inequalities and Challenges in Informal Settlements”

Rapid urbanization and climate change pose significant challenges to water security in developing regions, particularly in cities like Pune, India. Addressing the differentiated impacts of these pressures, especially in informal settlements, is critical for ensuring equitable access to drinking water. In Pune, uneven water distribution, socio-economic disparities, and inadequate infrastructure have exacerbated the vulnerability of marginalized communities. While previous studies have explored the Food-Water-Energy (FWE) nexus and urban resource pressures, the complex interactions between household characteristics, water demand, and supply distribution in informal settlements require deeper exploration for a better understanding. This study employs the Agent-Based Model (ABM) developed by the FUSE project to analyze household water demand and its interaction with water supply systems in Pune. By incorporating socio-economic attributes, spatial urban growth projections, and piped water pressure data, the study reveals significant inequalities and competition for water access among different household types. The findings indicate that under current trends, informal settlements face disproportionate challenges in meeting basic water needs, particularly during drought conditions and periods of rapid population growth. The results provide a refined understanding of water distribution dynamics in Pune and highlight the urgent need for policy interventions that prioritize vulnerable populations. This study offers insights into water governance strategies, contributing to sustainable urban resource management and advancing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).