The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) finds itself grappling with a significant financial burden as its annual expenditure on water tankers skyrockets to an alarming ₹80 crore, highlighting persistent challenges in addressing water scarcity despite ample reservoir resources.
Despite the presence of four dams with a combined storage capacity of 30 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) in the vicinity, the PMC’s reliance on water tankers remains unabated, raising concerns over the efficacy of existing water management strategies. Records from the tanker supply cell of the PMC’s water department reveal a staggering 4.34 lakh water tanker trips undertaken in the past year alone to fulfill the city’s burgeoning water demands. Each trip incurs a cost of ₹2,000 to the PMC, representing a substantial financial outlay for the municipal corporation. One of the primary drivers behind the escalating expenditure on water tankers is the inclusion of 34 new villages within the PMC’s jurisdiction since 2017. Formerly under the purview of the Pune Metropolitan and Regional Development Authority (PMRDA), these villages faced water supply complications as responsibility was shifted to builders during construction phases. However, with builders failing to fulfill their obligations, the onus now falls on the PMC to provide water to these merged villages, exacerbating the demand for water tankers and straining municipal resources.
The heightened reliance on water tankers is particularly pronounced during the summer months and various phases throughout the year. Despite the presence of abundant water resources in the form of dams, the PMC’s significant expenditure underscores the persistent challenges in ensuring equitable access to water for all residents of Pune. As the PMC navigates these challenges, there is a pressing need for comprehensive water management strategies that leverage existing reservoir resources effectively while addressing the evolving needs of Pune’s expanding urban landscape. Collaborative efforts between municipal authorities, stakeholders, and residents are essential to devise sustainable solutions that mitigate reliance on water tankers and ensure reliable access to water for all segments of the population.
