Pune Municipal Corporation Granted Lesser Water Quota Than Requested For 2023-24
Pune, 11th October 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s request for a water quota to handle the city’s increasing population and expanding area has faced a significant reduction, causing concern among city officials.
The Municipal Corporation had initially requested an allocation of 20.90 TMC of water per year from the Irrigation Department to meet the rising demand. However, the Irrigation Department has sanctioned only 12.82 TMC of water storage for the fiscal year 2023-24 from the Khadakwasla and Bhama Askhed Dam projects. This decision has left the city potentially liable for substantial fines, should water usage exceed the approved quota.
The Irrigation Department’s decision follows the directives of the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority, which necessitate that the Municipal Corporation submit a water budget to the department by the end of July each year. In the previous fiscal year (2022-23), the Municipal Corporation had sought 20.34 TMC of water but was granted only 12.41 TMC of water by the Irrigation Department. Subsequently, the Corporation submitted its water budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.
The city’s population has experienced a two percent increase, comprising the 34 villages within the Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the PMC must provide water to approximately 7.2 million people, including those who come to Pune for work, business, and education. Taking into account a 35 percent water leakage rate, the Corporation had requested an allocation of 20.90 TMC of water.
However, the Irrigation Department has approved a water quota of 12.82 TMC for the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, diverging significantly from the Municipal Corporation’s requested water allocation. The Corporation had sought 2.36 TMC of water for the 34 villages and 16 institutions, considering a population of 10 lakh, but this request was denied by the Irrigation Department, clarifying that water was already being supplied to these areas.
Furthermore, the Municipal Corporation had estimated a 35 percent water leakage, totaling 7.13 TMC. However, the Irrigation Department has determined the leakage to be only 13 percent, resulting in a reduced leakage estimate of 1.47 TMC. Consequently, the Corporation’s allocated water falls significantly short of its original request.
Last year, the Corporation had sought 20.34 TMC of water, with only 12.41 TMC water quota granted. This year, despite a request for 20.90 TMC of water, the Corporation received 12.82 TMC, which marks an increase of just 0.41 TMC compared to the previous year.
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