A citizens' group in Pune has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to reconsider its plan to impose precautionary alternate-day water supply, proposing instead a once-a-week closure from June 15 to July 15 to ease the burden on residents.
Proposal to PMC
In a letter addressed to civic chief Naval Kishore Ram, Vivek Velankar, head of Sajag Nagrik Manch, suggested that any decision on stricter water cuts could be taken after July 15 based on rainfall and dam stock. He noted that the current water stock in the dams stands at 5 TMC, which is sufficient to meet the city's needs until the end of August. Therefore, he argued, there is no urgent need to introduce alternate-day water supply from next week.
PMC's Preparations
PMC has already begun preparations for water cuts due to concerns over reduced rainfall this year, possibly linked to the El Nino effect. Velankar stated, "India Meteorological Department has forecast 90% of normal rainfall during the monsoon. The dams supplying water to the city could reach full capacity even if they receive just 75% of the expected rainfall. Implementing a weekly water closure would help ensure water supply till the first week of September."
Concerns Over Alternate-Day Supply
Velankar also warned that alternate-day water supply could lead to exploitation by private water tanker operators, resulting in overcharging. With residents already facing water shortages, such a move would exacerbate their difficulties, he added.
The group's proposal aims to provide a more balanced approach to water management, ensuring that residents are not unduly burdened while still addressing potential supply issues. The PMC has yet to respond to the proposal.
