Pune: In the backdrop of the water crisis situation, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to close water supply on Thursdays in the name of maintenance. In November last year, Pune district Guardian Minister Girish Bapat had hinted that water supply would be closed on Thursdays. Now, the civic administration has declared that this will be implemented from this month.
While speaking to media, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao said, “We have decided to close water supply on Thursdays for maintenance and repair work. On the other hand, Maharashtra State Electrical Distribution Company Limited is also observing power cut on Thursday, so it is convenient for us to do repair work.” While responding to a question whether there is water cut, he refuted it and said, “Right now, there is no water cut. From next month, based on the availability of water in dams, a decision will be taken whether to cut water or not. It is not in our hands.”
No water for washing vehicles
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to put a ban on drinking water usage for vehicle washing, construction, road work purpose and has proposed legal action and fines and even cutting water connection.
Rao said, “I have given an order to the administration to spread awareness on saving water in the city. On the other hand, action will be taken against people or organisations that are using drinking water for construction purpose, washing vehicles and swimming tanks.”
He further added, “I have also instructed PMC against using water for road construction.” Earlier, drought was declared in 2009-2010 and the city had faced water cut during summer of 2009-2010. This year, as the water availability is not sufficient and the city had initially witnessed water cut from 20 per cent to 50 per cent.
In 2010 again, due to lack of water availability in dams, the city had again faced 10 to 15 per cent cuts in summer. The situation improved in 2011 and the city did not face any water cut. However, in 2012, due to lack of shortage of rainwater, PMC faced 20 per cent water cut from March 1, 2012 to August 15, 2013.
