The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has taken the proactive step of utilising its own funds to ensure the continuity and completion of its crucial 24×7 water supply project, despite a significant delay of six years in the release of committed funds from the state government.
This decisive action underscores the municipal body’s unwavering commitment to providing essential services to its citizens and highlights the challenges faced by local administrations when state-level financial commitments remain unfulfilled, impacting critical urban infrastructure development. The ambitious 24×7 water supply initiative was rolled out in densely populated areas, encompassing 40% of the city in its first phase, under the Central government’s AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme. This initial phase incurred an expenditure of ₹155 crore. However, the state government’s promised share of ₹51.54 crore has remained outstanding since the project’s inception. With the project now complete and payments due to the contractors, the PCMC finds itself compelled to disburse the amount from its treasury to avoid further delays and ensure timely settlement for the work accomplished.
Pimpri-Chinchwad, a rapidly urbanising area, grapples with persistent drinking water challenges. The municipal corporation currently sources approximately 630 Million Litres per Day (MLD) from various dams and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), specifically 520 MLD from Pavana Dam, 80 MLD from Andra Dam, and 30 MLD from MIDC. Alarmingly, an estimated 40% of this precious resource is lost due to leakages and pilferage within the existing distribution network. The Water Supply Department has been actively working to mitigate these substantial losses, with the 24×7 project playing a pivotal role in this conservation effort.
Under the comprehensive 24×7 water supply project, the city was systematically divided into two phases, covering 40% and 60% of the area respectively. The first phase focused on implementing new pipelines and regularising connections. During this process, a staggering 9,500 unauthorised water connections were unearthed within a mere three months, and efforts are ongoing to bring them under official purview. The successful completion of the first phase in designated areas, which include Nigdi Pradhikaran, Chinchwad, Dattanagar in Thergaon, Sangvi, Bohardewadi (Moshi), Dighi Gaothan, Bhosari, Magar Stadium, Ajmera, Yamunanagar, Sambhajinagar, and Shahunagar, has already resulted in a commendable reduction of water leakage by 10-15%. These areas, historically plagued by water supply inconsistencies, are now experiencing improved service delivery.
Pramod Ombase, Chief Engineer of the Water Supply Department, PCMC, confirmed the situation, stating, “The municipal corporation undertook the 24×7 water supply scheme… Under this scheme, pipelines leading to individual homes were replaced, water meters were upgraded, and leaks in connections were repaired.” He further elaborated on the successful pilot implementation in Nigdi Pradhikaran, which has begun receiving equal water supply, showcasing reduced leakages and theft. Despite persistent follow-ups with the state government for its committed share, no action has been taken. Consequently, Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh has approved the reallocation of ₹3.19 crore from the Irrigation Department’s budget to facilitate immediate payment to the contractor firm, Vishwajraj Environment Pvt Ltd. This necessary reallocation underscores the PCMC’s resolve to bypass bureaucratic hurdles to ensure citizens receive their fundamental right to consistent water supply, setting a precedent for robust local governance in the face of delayed state support.
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