Residents in Pune's eastern areas may finally find relief from the persistent yellowish tap water issue. After weeks of frustration and anger, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has completed cleaning the supply lines from the Bhama Askhed dam to resolve the discolored and potentially unsafe water supply.
The move followed protests by frustrated residents, supported by activists and corporators, which compelled the administration to send a team of experts to the Kuruli water treatment plant (WTP), the supply system's hub, to investigate the crisis. An official stated, "We did not find any major problem with the treatment plant. The real cause was within the aging supply and distribution network. We found the pipelines clogged with silt, mud, and accumulated debris. This unseen deterioration underground had gradually compromised the water quality."
Flushing Operation Completed
An official confirmed that an extensive network-wide flushing operation was carried out immediately. "Now that the major supply lines have been cleaned, the worst is over. Clean water should start flowing again soon," the official said.
Health Concerns Raised
Former corporator Siddharth Dhende warned that such lapses could pose serious health risks. "The administration must step up pipeline maintenance. Bhama Askhed is a critical project serving a massive population. Vigilance cannot be optional," he emphasized.
Monitoring and Transparency Demanded
Officials from PMC's water supply and electrical departments stated they would monitor the supply from the Kuruli treatment plant over the next few days. "The administration will approach the team of experts in case of recurrence of supply of muddy, smelly, or colored water," an official from the civic water supply department said.
For residents, reassurance is not enough. They have demanded scientific proof. Many are calling for daily laboratory testing of water samples and for those reports to be made public. Resident Sujit Shirke said, "We need transparency. People deserve to know what they're consuming. Clear test reports will not only ensure safety but also prevent panic and misinformation."
