The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) finds itself inundated with 133 water shortage complaints within a mere six-day span, underscoring the severity of the city’s ongoing water crisis.
Predominantly concentrated in the Hadapsar locality, these grievances spotlight the acute challenges faced by residents grappling with dwindling water supplies amidst scorching temperatures and depleting reservoir levels. According to data compiled by the PMC water department, various neighborhoods across Pune, including Aundh-Baner, Kondhwa Yewalewadi, and Ahmednagar Road-Wadgaonsheri, among others, have registered a significant number of complaints, reflecting the widespread nature of the water scarcity predicament. With the onset of hotter weather in April and May, exacerbated by increased water evaporation rates, the demand for water surges, exacerbating the strain on already strained water resources. The addition of 34 villages to the PMC’s jurisdiction has further exacerbated the water supply challenges, with residents in these newly incorporated areas expressing dissatisfaction over irregular and inadequate water distribution schedules. Instances of residents receiving water supply only once every few days have been reported, highlighting the urgency of addressing the burgeoning crisis.
To mitigate the escalating water scarcity woes, the PMC has ramped up its tanker fleet, significantly increasing the number of water tankers deployed for water delivery. Last year’s usage of 1,018 tankers daily has surged to a staggering 1,235 tankers per day this year, a testament to the severity of the situation. In response to the persistent influx of complaints, the municipal commissioner has ordered the deployment of an additional 1,400 tankers to alleviate the burgeoning water scarcity concerns. As Pune grapples with an unprecedented water shortage, the PMC faces mounting pressure to devise comprehensive strategies and interventions to ensure equitable access to water resources across the city. The escalating grievances underscore the urgent need for proactive measures and sustained efforts to address Pune’s water woes and safeguard the well-being of its residents amidst challenging climatic conditions.
