Pune: PMC Urges Irrigation Department for Increased Water Quota Amid Growing Population

Pune, 17th August 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has formally requested an increase in its annual water quota from the irrigation department, seeking a rise from approximately 14 TMC to 21.5 TMC. This request comes in response to the growing demands of the city’s expanding population and the addition of new areas under PMC’s jurisdiction.

PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale emphasized the need for additional water to meet the needs of the city. “The irrigation department should take our request seriously. The civic administration is now responsible for supplying water to 34 newly merged areas, as well as accommodating the needs of a significant floating population,” Bhosale stated.

The irrigation department has acknowledged that PMC has been drawing more water than its sanctioned quota. However, officials indicated that any decision to increase the water allocation would be made after thorough review and consideration.

PMC officials have specifically requested that the water quota for 2024-25 be set at 21.5 TMC. In the previous year, 2023-24, only 12.8 TMC was allotted despite the city’s request for 20.9 TMC. A senior PMC official expressed optimism about the potential increase in water allocation, especially given that the dams supplying the city are currently full. “We are hopeful that more water will be granted to the city, particularly with more rainfall expected as the monsoon season is not yet over,” the official remarked.

According to the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulation Authority (MWRRA) guidelines, civic bodies are required to prepare and submit an annual water budget to the irrigation department, factoring in an estimated 2% population growth from the previous year. PMC has projected that it will need to provide for around 7.94 million people in the coming year. In addition to consumption needs, the city must account for water losses, which are estimated at approximately 35%.