Pune to get 13 TMC water for next 10 months, less than PMC sought; cuts unavoidable

Pune, October 30: The Khadakwasla canal advisory committee has decided to give the city 13 TMC of water for the next 10 months. The quantity is less than what the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had asked for, so concern over water cuts in the city will remain.

The decision was taken at the committee's meeting on Thursday, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar. The meeting reviewed the water stock in the dams, drinking water needs and irrigation needs. The municipal corporation has been told to plan its consumption within 13 TMC.

Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil said water cuts cannot be avoided and that PMC will have to decide how extensive they will be. According to him, drinking water will be given priority while planning supply up to August 31 next year. The distribution will also have to take into account the drinking water needs of urban and rural areas, irrigation and the needs of livestock.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said the government will ensure balanced distribution of water between urban and rural areas. She directed PMC and the Water Resources Department to implement the water distribution plan transparently, to promote water conservation and public awareness, and to set up a separate control room at every ward office. She also asked the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to take the necessary precautionary steps.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said officials of the municipal corporation will meet within two days to decide the extent of the water cut. She appealed to people to use water judiciously and expressed confidence that the people of Pune would continue to support the civic administration.