The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed the laying of a 19-kilometer transmission line, ensuring water will flow from three overhead tanks in the Mohammadwadi area to household taps by May 10. The civic administration finished the work on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for residents who have long faced water scarcity.
Transmission Line Ready for Three Tanks
Officials from the PMC's water supply department confirmed that the transmission line is now operational, supplying water to three overhead tanks located near a mall and an international school. Water successfully reached these tanks on May 1, and trials for supplying water through the distribution network will commence shortly. The department also plans to complete an additional 4 kilometers of transmission line soon, which will enable the commissioning of five more overhead tanks in the area.
The transmission line carries water to the overhead tanks, while the distribution network delivers water from the tanks to individual households.
Equitable Water Supply Scheme
Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur elaborated on the broader initiative: "As part of the equitable water supply scheme, a 23-kilometer transmission pipeline is being laid for the southern parts of the city. Eight elevated service reservoirs (ESRs) have been constructed, six dedicated water supply zones created, and 33 kilometers of new distribution network developed. This infrastructure will provide drinking water to nearly four lakh residents in Mohammadwadi, Dorabjee, NIBM Road, Krishnanagar, Jarandenagar, and adjoining areas of Undri and Kondhwa. Household-level water distribution through the newly laid distribution network will begin in a phased manner from May 10."
Residents' Relief and Challenges
Rahul Sanap, a resident of the Undri area, expressed hope: "We expect the PMC to complete all technical aspects, including trials, at the earliest and start regular water supply. The situation has been very challenging due to inadequate water supply. Although overhead tanks were ready, water had not reached them because of the incomplete transmission line. Dependence on water tankers has led to huge expenses, and their presence on roads has caused fatal accidents."
The lack of water supply had forced many housing societies in the area to rely on water tankers for daily needs. Residents held multiple meetings with civic officials, demanding the completion of the water transmission line work as soon as possible.
Overcoming Obstacles
Officials noted that the project faced numerous challenges, including right-of-way constraints, land acquisition hurdles, difficult terrain, shifting of utilities and electric poles, traffic and alignment issues, and repeated on-ground obstructions. Despite these difficulties, the PMC managed to complete the critical transmission line, paving the way for improved water supply in the region.
