Satara civic body plans leak repairs and supply curbs after 10% water cut order

Satara Municipal Council has begun work on a water supply plan following drought conditions in the district and the district administration's order for a 10 per cent cut in water supply. A planning meeting at the council discussed using available water sparingly, stopping leakage in the supply system and dealing with a possible water shortage in the coming summer.

Mayor Amol Mohite, Deputy Mayor Adv. Dattaji Bankar, Chief Officer Vinod Jalak and water supply engineer Shahaji Wathare were present. Officials of the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran and the staff who release water according to the rota also attended. The meeting discussed the city's present water position, proper use of available sources, the working of the water supply schemes and repair work.

With the shadow of drought deepening in the district, ensuring water availability has become a big challenge for the council administration. In view of the district administration's 10 per cent cut order, it was considered necessary to prevent wastage while supplying drinking water to residents. The meeting stressed finding and promptly fixing leaks in the supply system, monitoring the distribution arrangement and strictly regulating the use of available water.

The following decisions were taken at the meeting:

1. Leaks will be fixed immediately when a complaint comes in through the helpline number.

2. Action will be taken against the use of electric motors, and unauthorised connections will be reviewed.

3. MSEB will be informed about frequent power outages, and preparations for a separate power system will be reviewed.

4. Action will be taken for wastage of water or if the rota is not followed properly.

5. Special attention will be paid to Shanivar Peth, Somwar Peth, Karanje and areas that receive water at low pressure.

6. Action will be taken against those caught washing vehicles or roads, or spraying water on buildings.

Citizens, too, will have to share the responsibility of saving water. Small steps such as preventing wastage at home, not leaving taps running and informing the council on seeing a leak can help conserve water. Given the severity of the drought, the plan should not remain confined to meetings. The city's water supply depends on how effectively these decisions are implemented. The council administration will therefore have to keep reviewing implementation of the cut order, action to stop leaks and preparations to deal with future shortages.