The ambitious 24×7 water supply project in Pune, approved nearly a decade ago, has once again missed its completion deadline, which was set for June 30. This latest delay has prompted the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to seek additional time to complete the project, highlighting ongoing challenges in its execution.
The project, which aims to provide round-the-clock water supply to Pune’s residents, remains incomplete with several key components still pending. These include the construction of overhead water tanks, the laying of pipelines, and the installation of water meters. According to PMC’s water supply department, a lack of cooperation from certain residents and landowners has significantly hampered the land acquisition process, creating substantial hurdles in meeting project deadlines. “The civic administration is not getting the expected cooperation from some residents and landowners. It is delaying the land acquisition process and creating hurdles in completing the project on time,” stated officials from PMC’s water supply department. They further noted that resistance from property owners against the installation of water meters has also impeded progress. In addition to these local challenges, civic officials highlighted that obtaining the necessary permissions from both central and state agencies at various project sites has been a time-consuming and complicated process. These bureaucratic hurdles have further delayed the project’s timeline.
“Citizens are not getting clean water. The delay in the 24×7 water supply project is aggravating the problem. Such projects should be completed on time. The administration is delaying the water supply project,” an official remarked, reflecting widespread frustration. Residents have voiced concerns over the civic administration’s inconsistency in implementing major projects. “Big projects look good on paper, but can’t gather pace on the ground. Officials don’t focus on timely execution. Other projects like pollution abatement of Mula and Mutha rivers are also delayed,” said an environmentalist, emphasising a pattern of delayed infrastructure initiatives.
The PMC’s request for additional time signals a recognition of these challenges, but it also calls for a renewed focus on overcoming the obstacles that have repeatedly stalled progress. As the city continues to grow, the timely completion of the 24×7 water supply project remains crucial for sustainable urban development and the well-being of Pune’s population.
