India, June 23 -- Pune's worsening water shortage has pushed up private tanker prices across several localities, with residents facing steep hikes as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has invoked alternate day water supply amid plunging groundwater levels, drying wells, and reduced water availability from reservoirs.

In Undri and Mohammadwadi, tanker rates have increased from around Rs.900 to Rs.1,200 to Rs.1,500 over the past two days. In Baner and Bavdhan, tanker rates have risen from Rs.1,000 to nearly Rs.1,500; whereas Bibwewadi residents said rates have risen from Rs.1,500 to Rs.2,000 per tanker. A similar increase has been reported in Dhayari-Vadgaon Khurd, where prices have jumped from Rs.700- Rs.800 to Rs.1,200- Rs.2,000 per t...