EVERY DROP COUNTS
Existing curbs are sufficient to manage the city’s water needs till Aug 2027, even after accounting for water requirements in the rural areas, according to the group. Distribution losses are estimated to be more than 32%,” he said. Sajag Nagrik Manch representative Vivek Velankar demanded that PMC release a white paper on the implementation of its equitable water supply project, which was launched to ensure uniform water distribution and reduce losses in the network.
Residents reported what they described as “indirect water cuts”, alleging that the administration quietly lowered water pressure to conserve water. Pramod Jadhav of Satara Road said the drop in pressure was a clear indication that the administration had already begun saving additional water. Formalising further cuts will only increase hardship for citizens,” he said, adding that PMC’s earlier attempt to implement alternate-day water supply in June had failed. Monitoring should be intensified instead of placing the burden on citizens through additional cuts,” a senior Congress corporator said.
Pune: Citizens and opposition members in PMC have demanded that the civic administration improve water distribution instead of imposing additional restrictions beyond the existing once-a-week Thursday supply cut. The demand comes as the administration considers further curbs amid declining dam stocks. It argued that improving distribution efficiency would be a more effective solution than imposing fresh restrictions on residents. “Many parts of the city are likely facing the same problem. “PMC must explain what measures have been taken to plug leakages and save water. Politicians from Congress, NCP (SP) and NCP echoed similar concerns, saying better management of the existing water supply could address complaints of scarcity. “PMC is not serious about checking the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes.
NCP member Nilesh Nikam said any decision on further curbs should be taken only after consulting all stakeholders. Officials from the water supply department said multiple options, including additional cuts, were on the table. He also called on the administration to publicly clarify the city’s water requirement till the next monsoon.
The PMC commissioner and the mayor are expected to meet on Wednesday to review the situation.