Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has intensified its scrutiny of building plan proposals, with 19 current submissions under review for failing to identify adequate water sources for future occupants, according to PMRDA Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal.
As of the end of May, PMRDA had received 229 proposals seeking building permissions in various jurisdictions, including Mulshi, Maval, Khed, Haveli, Purandar, and Daund. This rigorous scrutiny follows numerous complaints from citizens regarding insufficient water supply in approved projects, which culminated in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and subsequent directives from the High Court.
The Pune divisional commissioner, adhering to the High Court’s directives, mandated that no construction activities could proceed without the identification of reliable water sources for property occupants. Commissioner Mahiwal emphasized that PMRDA teams conduct site visits for each proposal and only grant permission if water sources are verified.
The move has been welcomed by residents who have faced significant challenges due to inadequate water supply in existing developments. Many homeowners and tenants have had to rely on builders or incur high maintenance costs to hire water tankers. A resident from a township in Hinjewadi expressed frustration, noting, “Despite assurances of adequate water supply during property booking, we now have to buy water ourselves as the developer has backed out.”
Advocate, representing several housing societies in Pune, highlighted the prevalence of water supply issues, particularly in integrated townships like Hinjewadi. He called for closer scrutiny by the state government, noting the multitude of complaints regarding erratic water supply.
Adding to the residents’ concerns, the scheduled bi-monthly meeting under the Pune divisional commissioner has not been convened for five months, exacerbating the delay in addressing these critical issues. Citizens have voiced their concerns, stressing the urgency of ensuring that new projects have a sustainable water supply before construction begins.
The PMRDA’s proactive measures to ensure water source compliance are seen as a timely intervention to prevent future water crises in new developments. However, the ongoing challenges faced by existing residents underline the need for consistent and effective regulatory oversight.
