Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, two major cities in Maharashtra, are currently grappling with severe water scarcity issues as the summer heat intensifies and water levels in key reservoirs decline. Both cities heavily rely on surface water from dams and groundwater from borewells to meet the increasing demand for drinking water, especially during the dry season.
In Pune, the Khadakwasla dam chain project, a crucial water source for the city, is experiencing diminishing water storage levels, resulting in unannounced water shortages affecting residents across various neighbourhoods. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is in charge of managing water distribution in the city, but private tanker operators are allegedly taking advantage of the situation by obtaining water easily from PMC water centres and selling it at inflated prices to large housing complexes and other consumers.
Similarly, in Pimpri Chinchwad, rapid urbanization and population growth have strained the existing water supply infrastructure, leading to long-standing water shortages in many parts of the city. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) primarily draws water from the Pavana Dam to meet the city’s water requirements, but the current supply is insufficient to keep up with the growing demand.
Both cities are facing allegations of collusion between politicians and the tanker lobby, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in water management practices. Efforts to address the water scarcity crisis include providing free tanker services and implementing water conservation measures, but challenges persist due to water theft, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory loopholes.
It is crucial for PMC and PCMC authorities, along with the Maharashtra State Government, to intervene urgently and develop a coordinated strategy for sustainable water management and distribution to alleviate the water crisis in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
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