Pune’s Kothrud residents were alarmed on Friday after receiving contaminated water from their taps following a scheduled water supply cut the day before. The situation has sparked concerns among locals, who reported the water to be murky and foul-smelling, raising fears that sewage or drainage water might have mixed with the drinking supply. Many residents, including families with children and senior citizens, have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to take swift action to address the issue. The incident comes at a time when water contamination can have severe health repercussions, making it a pressing civic concern.
The supply cut was part of the PMC’s routine maintenance at major water distribution points, including the Parvati plant, and the Bhama Askhed supply line. Water services were expected to resume on Friday at low pressure. However, many residents not only experienced delayed water supply but also reported it being polluted. A senior citizen voiced fears of health hazards, stating that prolonged exposure to such water could lead to waterborne diseases. Kothrud’s Mahatma Society area was particularly affected due to repair delays at the Gandhi Bhavan tank.
Civic authorities acknowledged the potential for temporary pollution after a water supply cut, explaining that dirt and debris settled in the pipes could be released when supply resumes. While PMC officials reassured that the situation would normalise shortly, they urged residents to purify water before consumption as a precautionary measure. Further inspections are planned to identify the root cause and resolve any lingering issues.
Water management in urban areas requires sustainable practices that ensure continuous, safe water supply, especially during scheduled maintenance. The recurring issue of contaminated water post-repairs highlights the need for updated infrastructure and smarter water distribution systems. Sustainable urban water management would prevent such incidents by ensuring cleaner pipes and timely maintenance, ultimately benefiting public health and environmental safety.
