PMC soon to start 24x7 water project work in peth areas

PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will start 24x7 uninterrupted and equitable water supply work in peth areas soon. The Water Supply Department will start the work in Rasta Peth area first.

To solve the irregular, uneven and insufficient water supply problem in the city, the PMC had initiated the 24x7 water supply project in February 2018, at an estimated cost of Rs 2,550 crore. 

The PMC raised Rs 200 crore through bonds and also levied water charges to raise funds for the project. The work was started in December 2019 and it was assigned to L&T and Jain Irrigation.

The PMC has divided the city into 328 District Metering Areas (DMAs), so that water supply and distribution to particular areas can be checked. It can check inflow and outflow of water through meters and curb water thefts, leakages, etc.

At present, Kharadi, Vishrantwadi, Sinhagad Road, Kalas, Dhanori, Lohegaon, Aundh, Baner, Katraj, Hadapsar areas have been covered under the project. 

PMC Superintendent Engineer Nandkumar Jagtap said, “Peth areas are a challenge for us. Actually, we are working in Lokmanya Nagar but it is not as densely populated as Rasta Peth, Bhavani Peth, Raviwar Peth, Budhwar Peth and other areas. We have decided to select one or two ‘wadas’ and place a water meter system to monitor usage and pressure of water.”

Another official said, “In the old parts of the city, there are multiple connections on 12-inch pipes and most of them are illegal. So, it is difficult to work in these areas. We are in a dilemma of whether to take action on illegal water connections or start work without taking action. PMC will face stiff opposition while working in the peth areas. We are taking local corporators into confidence to start the work.”

In July 2019, L&T completed work of installation of water meters in Ganesh Nagar (Bopkhel-PMC limits) DMA, where PMC officials have installed 5,600 water meters (residential and commercial establishments) and have been monitoring systems. Based on the data collected, it is claimed PMC is able to save and supply adequate water with constant pressure.