The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to withdraw its plan to implement weekly rotational water cuts across several city areas.
The decision, initially set to commence on May 5, was met with strong opposition from political leaders, leading to a reassessment of the city’s water supply situation. The proposed water cuts would have affected areas such as Dhayari, Suncity, Vadgaon Budruk, Hingne Sahakar Nagar, Dhankawadi, Balaji Nagar, Ambegaon Pathar, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Katraj, and Kondhwa. These areas were identified for a weekly no-water day to manage supply amid reduced reservoir levels.
However, following political intervention, including objections from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhimrao Tapkir, the PMC announced a pause on the implementation of the cuts. Tapkir questioned the rationale behind targeting specific areas, many of which fall under his assembly constituency, for water cuts. His intervention added pressure on PMC to reconsider the move. In a press release issued by PMC’s water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap, the civic body announced it would pause the implementation of the cuts after reassessing the water levels in the Khadakwasla reservoir. “PMC had announced a rotational water cut from May 5. However, after a review of the water shortage in the Khadakwasla reservoir, it has decided to stay its own decision till further instructions,” the statement read.
The decision to halt the water cuts comes after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhimrao Tapkir raised objections, questioning the rationale behind targeting specific areas—many of which fall under his assembly constituency—for water cuts. His intervention added pressure on PMC to reconsider the move. Last week, the PMC had informed citizens that areas serviced by the Vadgaon water treatment plant would face one no-water day per week to manage supply amid reduced reservoir levels. However, with the rollback, Pune residents will continue to receive water once daily according to the existing schedule.
The reversal of the water cuts highlights the complex interplay between civic administration and political influence in urban governance. While the PMC cited water scarcity as the primary reason for the proposed cuts, political leaders have emphasized the need for equitable distribution and transparency in decision-making processes. As Pune continues to grapple with water supply challenges, the incident underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between civic bodies and political representatives to ensure sustainable and fair resource management. The PMC has indicated that it will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to its water supply strategies in the future.
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