Chief Justice Chandrachud’s Visit Highlights Water Crisis In Pune; Divisional Commissioner Takes Swift Action

Pune, 7th December 2023: Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud is scheduled to attend a Symbiosis Internation (Deemed University) graduation ceremony in Lavale, sparking intensive preparations by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Police.

During an inspection led by Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao in Sus, Balewadi, and Lavale, concerns about the severe water situation in Pune became apparent. The Chief Justice’s visit has inadvertently brought attention to the critical issue of water scarcity in various parts of the city.

As per VVIP protocol, elaborate preparations are underway for Chief Justice Chandrachud’s attendance at the graduation ceremony on Saturday (9th December). The inspection led by Divisional Commissioner Rao found water tankers in the area, prompting a firsthand experience of Pune’s water scarcity. Concerned about the situation, Rao directed PMC to submit a detailed report on water distribution and tanker deployment.

Pune has been grappling with a severe water problem, notably affecting large housing societies, apartments, and newly included municipal areas. The lack of substantial action by PMC led to a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat and a housing society federation in the Bombay High Court. In response, the Bombay High Court mandated a committee, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Rao, to address water supply issues in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

In a meeting held today, Divisional Commissioner Rao expressed his concern about water shortages, highlighting instances he witnessed during municipal tree-felling activities. A subsequent meeting in the first week of January has been scheduled, where PMC officials are instructed to visit water-deprived affected areas, such as Undri, Wagholi, Sus, Ambegaon, Narhe, Baner, and Pashan. They are to submit detailed reports and presentations outlining solutions to the water crisis.

“It was a very useful and important meeting. Divisional Commisioner, PCMC Municipal Commisioner, Chief engineers of water supply department of both corporations, Retired Judge from District legal aid services were present. Key decisions – instead of once in 2 month, the committee will meet every month. Evaluate possibility of taking over all private water tankers and supply water to housing complexes in no profit no loss basis, conduct visits to all locations where there is water scarcity and provide solutions”, said Adv Satya Muley, who represents the citizens and NGOs in the PIL.

Over 50 citizen representatives from all over PMC, PCMC were present for the meeting.