PCMC chief orders all departments to save water, warns of action against negligent staff

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi has directed all departments concerned to take immediate steps to save water and stop its wastage. A circular has been issued over the commissioner's signature.

The circular asks the head of every department to ensure that officers and employees carry out the instructions on saving water and preventing wastage. It also warns that employees found to be negligent or failing to discharge the responsibility assigned to them will face disciplinary action.

The city has a total water quota of 9.99 TMC. Of this, 6.55 TMC comes from the Pavana dam, 2.15 TMC from the Bhama Askhed dam and 1.29 TMC from the Andra dam. The city's estimated population is 38 lakh, and it receives about 650 million litres of water a day. Water is currently being supplied on alternate days.

As of October 14, 2026, the Pavana dam held 97.17 per cent and the Andra dam 95.80 per cent of their capacity. Considering the available stock and last year's experience, especially the absence of returning monsoon rain in September 2026, Dr Suryawanshi has asked departments to implement several water-saving measures.

Dr Vijay Suryawanshi, Commissioner, PCMC, said, "Every department should carry out regular inspections in its area and take the steps needed to save water. Care is being taken that drinking water is not used unnecessarily in schools, gardens, public toilets and other corporation premises. The departments concerned have been told to resolve leakage complaints quickly and to regularly review the condition of water-saving measures."

The civil engineering and water supply departments have been asked to inspect taps and water supply fittings at the corporation's main administrative building, ward offices, hospitals, schools, vegetable markets and other government buildings. Any leak found must be repaired immediately.

The education department has been asked to make schoolchildren aware of the need to save water. The health department must ensure that public toilets and other facilities under it do not use more water than necessary.

The sports department has been told not to use drinking water to sprinkle grounds. Where necessary, it should coordinate with the department concerned and use treated wastewater. Similarly, the garden department should plan to use treated wastewater instead of drinking water to irrigate plants.

All departments have been directed to settle leakage complaints at once. They are to inspect all corporation buildings regularly, report any leak to the department concerned immediately and follow up until repairs are complete. They must also keep monitoring to ensure the leak does not recur after repair.

The water supply department has also been asked to work with the information technology department to start a facility for registering leakage complaints through GPS-based location. Complaints must be resolved within a set time, and measures must be taken to prevent repeated leaks after repairs. The circular also says plumbers who do good work in preventing water wastage should be honoured.