Fadnavis Pledges Adequate Water Supply for Pune by Addressing Leakage Issues
Reported by Tikam Shekhawat
Mumbai/Pune, 3rd July 2024: Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that Pune city will have sufficient water supply by preventing water leakage and implementing efficient water distribution schemes. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly today, Fadnavis highlighted ongoing efforts to cater to Pune’s growing population and expanding metropolitan area.
The government is actively creating new water sources to meet the increasing demand in Pune, an educational and industrial hub. Fadnavis emphasized that Pune will not face water shortages, and the ‘Equal Water Distribution Scheme’ is being prioritized for completion to balance water distribution across the city.
In response to a suggestion by member Ravindra Dhangekar, Fadnavis outlined several measures to address Pune’s future water needs:
– Construction of the Khadakwasla to Fursungi tunnel, which will provide an additional 2 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water.
– Renovation of the Khadakwasla canal to yield 1.25 TMC of water.
– Utilization of the old Mutha canal and other sources to secure 5 TMC of water.
– Implementation of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects under the River Improvement Scheme to recycle water.
– Mandating industries within 50 km of STPs to use recycled water.
Fadnavis highlighted the issue of water leakage in Pune, noting that the city’s water consumption is currently double the provisioned amount. He stated that efforts are underway to reduce water leakage from 40% to 20% through the Equal Water Distribution Scheme, which has already been completed in 40% of the city zones. This reduction in leakage is expected to save 4 TMC of water from the current consumption of 20 TMC.
Fadnavis also stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting in new building constructions. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will be directed to enforce rainwater harvesting policies and ensure developers include solid waste and water management details in house purchase agreements. Instructions will be issued through the Urban Development Department and RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) to developers.
The discussion on this initiative saw participation from members Madhuri Misal, Jayant Patil, Ashok Pawar, Chetan Tupe, Dattatray Bharne, Siddharth Shirole, Bhimrao Tapkir, Mahesh Landge, and Anil Deshmukh. The government aims to ensure that the increasing population of Pune, which now includes 23 new villages, has a reliable and sustainable water supply.
