TAPS RUN DRY
Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Thursday announced a 10% reduction in water supply across the city, following state govt directives to conserve water stocks till Aug 31, 2027, amid below-normal rainfall.
“Special ward-level inspection teams will monitor misuse and enforce conservation measures,” the official said. PCMC has also tightened restrictions on water use and warned housing societies, commercial establishments and construction projects against wasting potable water.
State govt had directed civic bodies to cut water supply by 10% before Oct 16 to ensure available reserves last through a potentially difficult period marked by deficient rainfall linked to the El Niño effect.
The city, which has been receiving water on alternate days since 2019 for around three to three-and-a-half hours, will now see supply duration reduced by about 20-25 minutes. “However, the city is expected to get relief from an additional 167 MLD of water from Bhama Askhed dam through a dedicated pipeline currently under construction.
“The impact will gradually become visible over the next two weeks as the curbs are implemented across the city,” a senior water supply department official said. PCMC commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi said housing societies that adopt water conservation practices will be recognised, while violators will face action. Residents should use only as much water as necessary, avoid wastage and cooperate with the civic body’s conservation efforts,” he said. Another official said the water situation was expected to worsen by March-April next year.
The project is expected to be completed before March, helping PCMC manage supplies until the next monsoon,” the official added. “Every drop saved today will help secure water availability tomorrow and next year.