Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has claimed that even though water consumption has increased in the city due to the coronavirus lockdown, there is a drastic decline in the number of complaints related to the water supply. 

The city has been divided into six zones under the water supply system. During summer, which usually starts in April, the PMC receives a large number of water supply-related complaints, mostly about low water pressure, inadequate supply, shortage of water or no water at all. 

The civic body also generally faces agitations over these issues in April. However, after the implementation of the lockdown last month, there has been a decrease in the number of complaints being registered.

Aniruddha Pawaskar, Chief Superintendent of PMC Water Supply Department, said, “It is true that there is a drastic drop in complaints. As per the feedback given by the superintendent engineers, we know the facts. Now, very few complaints are being received in a day, and we are solving them on priority.”

LOW USAGE BY INDUSTRIES
Explaining the reason behind this situation, Pawaskar said, “Industrial, commercial, educational establishments and hotels-restaurants have completely stopped the water usage after the lockdown. Hence, we have enough water now. The PMC is supplying water to some areas on alternate days. But we have increased the quantum of water so that residents do not face the shortage of water.”

Pawaskar said, “At present, the PMC is supplying 1,430 MLD (million litres per day) of water across the city. The Khadakwasla Irrigation Division is ready to supply additional water to the civic body as water consumption has increased. However, right now, we don’t need additional water.”

LESS THAN TEN CALLS PER DAY
PMC Drainage Department Additional Chief Superintendent and Water Supply Department Superintendent Pravin Gedam, said, “We usually receive over 60 complaints daily from different parts of the city. Especially from Katraj, Kondhwa, Sinhagad Road, Hadapsar and Kharadi areas. Now, we get less than ten calls in a day.”

Till date, the PMC has not received any major complaint regarding irregular water supply, except the demand for regular water supply from Parvati MLA Madhuri Misal. Misal had demanded to restore regular water supply in areas like Bibvewadi, Panmala, Sinhagad Road, Hingne Khurd, Parvati and Dattawadi. 

She said since people are staying at home due to the lockdown, they needed sufficient water. Hence, instead of on an alternate day, she demanded daily water supply in these areas. The issue has been resolved by increasing water supply hours.