Residents of several areas in Pune have raised concerns about the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) plan to supply water every alternate day during designated evening and night slots. Many citizens argue that morning hours would be more convenient and have urged the civic administration to provide water during that time.
Alternate Day Water Supply Schedule
The alternate day water supply is set to begin on Monday, with PMC announcing a schedule based on odd and even dates. Some slots are fixed for late evening and night hours, causing inconvenience to residents. For instance, residents of Janwadi in Gokhalenagar reported that their area is scheduled to receive water in the late evening, which they claim is unsuitable for meeting daily requirements.
Similarly, pockets around Aundh are slated for afternoon water supply, but many residents demand a shift to morning hours. Vikrant Patil, a resident of Aundh, stated, “If the civic administration supplies water every alternate day, it should be done at suitable timings. Morning hours are preferred by most, especially those without water storage facilities.”
Demands for Flexible Approach
Parts of Bopodi and Baner Road are also scheduled for afternoon and evening slots. Anil Kasar from Bopodi suggested, “PMC could provide water for two hours in the morning and the rest in the evening or night. This would help fill water tanks of housing societies. The administration needs a flexible approach for basic resources like water.”
Nanda Kulkarni from Kothrud noted, “Not everyone can use water supplied during night hours; they can only fill tanks. PMC should plan to provide water during morning hours to maximum areas. There should be strict monitoring of water wastage and action against illegal connections.”
Concerns Over Supply Duration and Pressure
Citizens also expect PMC to ensure uninterrupted supply for the full allocated duration at adequate pressure. Sandhya Satav from Range Hills area mentioned that water supply is scheduled for four hours during the afternoon on even dates. “People will face shortages if PMC curtails supply hours, leading to hardships. We demand proper maintenance of the schedule,” she cautioned.
While most areas receive water for five to six hours, some get only three hours. For example, parts of Apte Road, Bhandarkar Road, Prabhat Road, Law College Road, Shivajinagar gaothan, and Deccan Gymkhana will receive water on even dates from 5 am to 11 am. The entire Balewadi area will get water in the afternoon on even dates for about six hours, while parts of Baner receive supply for around four hours. The Chikhalwadi locality in Bopodi is scheduled for two hours on even dates from 11 pm to 1 am.
Call for Equitable Distribution
Pramod Kokate from Aundh Road pointed out, “We expect equitable water supply to all areas under this alternate day plan. Some areas already get more water while others face shortages. The new plan should not create further chaos.” Areas already receiving water on alternate days will continue with existing schedules. In many areas, time slots remain unchanged, but supply will now be on odd or even dates starting Monday.
Civic officials claimed they have attempted to allocate water based on local population and demand. An official speaking anonymously said, “We will look into all issues and observe the impact of the schedule in the initial days.”
