EVERY DROP COUNTS
PMC itself admits that nearly 30% water is lost in the distribution network. At the same time, huge volumes of water are being lost through leaking pipelines damaged during ongoing infrastructure works. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Pune | Silver Rate in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Petrol Price in Pune | Diesel Price in Pune | CNG Price in Pune | LPG Price in Pune Stay updated with the latest Pune news.
That leakage must be addressed urgently,” he said. Vehicle-washing centres have been directed to suspend operations immediately, while societies lacking operational STPs face notices and possible action,” another civic official said. Haridas Charvad, corporator from Sinhagad Road, said water supply concerns had repeatedly been raised in general body meetings. It must proactively tackle water-related issues,” he said. He said key projects like equitable water distribution and replacement of aging pipelines remained incomplete. Enforcement alone would not solve the problem, calling for large-scale awareness campaigns and greater citizen participation in water conservation efforts, according to the corporators.
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to crack down on water misuse as once-a-week supply cuts start this Thursday. “Vehicles continue to be washed, gardens continue to consume potable water and there is little visible control over such activities. PMC officials, meanwhile, have appealed to citizens to become the administration’s eyes and ears. “Residents are urged to immediately report leakages and seepages in distribution pipelines. Inspection drives will also target swimming pools, gardens and commercial establishments to verify that potable water is not being used. Corporators question PMC’s resolve Elected representatives across the city have voiced doubts over whether the civic administration can sustain the crackdown. They argued that weak monitoring and inconsistent action had encouraged illegal connections and rampant water misuse for years. “The situation is already serious and will become even more challenging after water cuts begin. The administration cannot afford to be reactive. Congress leader and Wanowrie corporator Prashant Jagtap echoed the concern, urging PMC to involve local representatives in managing the crisis. Download the TOI App.
Civic officials on Tuesday said special monitoring teams would be deployed across the city to ensure drinking water was not squandered.
Water supply lines across the city have suffered repeated damage due to road and civil works, often leading to substantial wastage before repairs are carried out. The concern is particularly significant at a time when every litre of water counts.
PMC has already rolled out more than 10 precautionary measures, beyond the once-a-week water cuts, in its bid to stretch dwindling water reserves till next monsoon.
Our teams will inspect societies and notices will be served to those with non-functional STPs,” a senior water supply official said. From housing societies and swimming pools to gardens and vehicle-washing centres, civic inspectors will keep a close watch on activities that consume large quantities of potable water. “This time, monitoring will be intensified across all areas. Citizens must focus on recycling and reusing water. Housing societies are expected to run their sewage treatment plants (STPs) at full capacity, but many are failing to do so. The administration has also sounded a stern warning against illegal water connections, saying criminal action could be initiated against offenders. As PMC gears up for stricter enforcement, questions are being raised about its own record on tackling water misuse. Civic activist Vikram Gaikwad alleged that while illegal water connections were widespread, action against violators had been sporadic at best.