Pune civic body plans curbs on pool, car wash and construction water use amid drought

Given the drought, the Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing to tighten the use of water. A water cut every Thursday for Pune residents has already been decided. Restrictions will now also be placed on the use of drinking water for swimming pools, car washing centres and construction work.

The information was given by Shrinath Bhimale, chairman of the corporation's standing committee. He said talks with the administration have been held and the rules will be drawn up tomorrow.

According to Bhimale, the need for water is rising and the drought has worsened the situation, so it is necessary to keep water use limited. He said plainly that washing centres that run at night in particular need to be stopped. Rules will also be set for the water used to fill swimming pools and the water spent on washing vehicles.

Bhimale raised the issue of drinking water being used for construction work in the city. He said this must be stopped. He added that it is also necessary to control water leakage at various places in the city. He said that if leakage is stopped, water will be saved.

These measures have been discussed with the corporation administration. By framing rules on washing centres, swimming pools, water use in construction and water leakage, an effort will be made to reduce wastage of water.

Referring to the present drought, Bhimale said the condition of farmers is also serious. Proper management of water is very important at such a time. He warned that if water is not saved and used sparingly from now, serious difficulties may have to be faced in the coming days.

Bhimale said, "Wastage of water should be avoided, wastage of water should be stopped and a limit should be set on the use of water. If we economise now, the next eight months will pass without trouble." He also made it clear that the interest of Pune city and its people matters more than how opponents react to the water cut and the restrictions.