Pune: Kharadi Residents Demand Immediate Reversal Water Supply Plan, Demands Action From PMC

Sumit Singh

Kharadi, 11th June 2023: In an attempt to address the ongoing water supply challenges in Pune City, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Water Supply Department has implemented a new plan for Kharadi.

Water will now be supplied during the day, three days a week, in selected areas of Kharadi. However, this decision has sparked discontent among citizens, leading to preparations for a protest against the restricted water supply. The situation in Kharadi seems poised to worsen as signs of potential water scarcity loom large.

The affected areas include Chandannagar, Shri Krishna Society, Hanuman Exercise School, Mathuranagar, Sangharsh Chowk, Shivaji Statue, Dattaprasad, Chavan Nagar, Trimurti Society, Preet Nagar, Samata Society, Mhada Society, Chaudhary Vasti, Satavavasti, Pandharinagar, Gulmohar, Rakshaknagar, Shankarnagar, Boratevasti Galli number 1 to 13, Shankarnagar, Vrindavan Society, Raghavendra Nagar, Yashwant Nagar, Tukram Nagar, Sitara Bakery, Sai Park, Shejwal Park, Saibaba Mandir, Ganapati Society, Tukaram Nagar, Boratevasti, Zensar, Thite Nagar, and Patil Bua Nagar.

However, even the current water supply in Kharadi falls short of meeting the residents’ needs. The shutdown of water supply on Thursdays further exacerbates the water scarcity, leaving residents and many societies dependent on water tankers. Consequently, citizens are enraged by the decision to limit water supply to certain days.

This limited water availability has raised concerns about the potential rise of a water tanker black market and the exploitation of citizens. To avert such a scenario, the residents demand daily water supply with adequate pressure.

Suresh Patole, a resident of Shantinagar, expressed his frustration, stating that despite being in the city, the water situation in Kharadi is worse than in villages. Water is currently available for only five to ten minutes each day. The announcement of water during the day is unacceptable to them, and they demand a daily supply of water for at least two hours, with sufficient pressure.

Bala Parhad, a resident of Chandannagar, criticized the decision, deeming it unfair. He questioned why only Kharadi was subjected to limited water supply while the entire city of Pune remained unaffected. With citizens already grappling with insufficient water supply, he fears that they will be at the mercy of water tanker operators.

Prabha Karpe, representing Resident Welfare in Kharadi, highlighted the issue of illegal water taps at car wash centers and other vendors. These unauthorized connections have created an artificial water shortage in Kharadi. Karpe finds it unjust that Kharadi, despite paying the highest property tax to Pune Municipal Corporation, will now receive water only three days a week.

Ashish Mane, from Vadgaon Sheri Nagarik Manch, echoed the sentiments of others and questioned the rationale behind singling out Kharadi for limited water supply. He strongly opposed this decision and announced a protest scheduled for Monday, demanding the immediate reversal of the plan.

Nitin Jadhav, an engineer from the Water Supply Department, explained that the areas chosen for day water supply are primarily residential. The aim is to ensure that every house receives water with sufficient pressure throughout the day. The department assures residents that all areas will have access to water once the tanks and distribution systems of the common water supply scheme is completed.