A slight decline in the water level of Khadakwasla dam is visible
Pune: City residents may soon face dry taps as the civic administration mulls various options to comply with state govt’s latest directives for 10% water cuts against the backdrop of relatively less stock in dams.
Officials from Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) water supply department said that besides curtailing water supply, the civic administration will also focus on restricting misuse of water, reducing water losses and stricter monitoring of water thefts. Options being considered by PMC include one day of water supply closure per week, alternate-day water supply, or reducing daily supply hours.
Leader of the house in PMC Ganesh Bidkar said that a decision will have to be taken in a few days. Citizens TOI spoke to said PMC should maintain adequate balance in supplying water to all areas and should avoid haphazard implementation of water cuts. Many also said PMC and the irrigation department should strike a balance across areas while implementing water cuts, with the highest priority given to meeting drinking water requirements of the city.
Pune mayor Manjusha Nagpure is expected to chair a meeting of all-party leaders in PMC to take a final call on water cuts. City residents have already faced water cuts this year ahead of the monsoon. PMC had imposed alternate-day water supply in June owing to a delay in the arrival of the monsoon. The cuts were withdrawn in July following heavy spells of rain. Several corporators have called for a close watch on the ongoing release of water to rural areas through the Mutha canal.
Once-a-week water closure can save around 10%, while alternate day supply curtails usage by 25%. If PMC continues with once-a-week closure for the next 10 months, it will help save water required for 40 days. Because of problems in restoration of supply the day after the 24-hour-long closure, sources from the administration said that citizens are not in favour of alternate-day flow in taps.
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the civic water supply department, said, “We are yet to receive the notification from state govt, but will be keeping options ready. Jagtap said that the administration has taken measures in the last few months to reduce water wastage and improve supply, which will help in preparing the supply plan. Jagtap countered that all issues will be discussed before revising the water supply plan.