Pune: With increasing water demand across Pune city and its suburbs, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is struggling not just to ensure equal distribution but even adequate supply of water. The Water Supply Department has already started implementing water cuts in the southern parts of the city. In response, the PMC is urging all citizens to save water. The appeal has now been extended to educational institutions, housing societies, hospitals, and hotels.
“Save water, tackle water shortage” is the message, accompanied by simple and practical guidelines to help conserve water. This information was shared by Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of PMC’s Water Supply Department:
Install Aerator Nozzles on Taps: These nozzles cost around ₹150 but help in reducing water wastage significantly. If a society typically orders ten water tankers a month, with this measure, it might need only seven.
Recharge Borewells: Most plots have borewells. Ensuring they are 100% recharged is crucial. Rainwater harvesting is necessary for this. PMC offers a 5% discount on property tax for implementing rainwater harvesting.
Improve Groundwater Levels: Each society should dig a recharge pit of 5 ft (length) x 2 ft (width) x 3 ft (depth) at the entrance. Install rainwater drain grills over it. This will help raise the water levels of nearby borewells, wells, or ponds.
Reuse STP Treated Water: If a society has a sewage treatment plant (STP), the treated water should be used for gardening, toilet flushing, and cleaning purposes. This reduces the dependency on potable water. PMC also offers support for such initiatives.
Avoid Wasting Water While Cleaning: Washing cars, roads, and gardens using rubber pipes causes huge wastage due to high pressure. Instead, societies should use borewell water and adopt methods like buckets or mugs to limit water usage.
Fix Leaking or Overflowing Tanks: Many societies have leaking tanks or overflowing overhead tanks. Regular repairs and the installation of level indicators can help save precious water.
Adopt Responsible Water Usage: During the current water crisis, the motto should be – Save Water, Use It Wisely, Spend It Responsibly. Pune is a growing city, and we must not wait for it to face the water crises seen in other cities.
PMC Will Monitor Implementation: The PMC will inspect whether the above measures are being implemented. If water wastage is found, the corporation proposes to take penal action. Strict enforcement is advised.
Water Saved Will Help New Areas: Responsible water usage in the city can ensure the availability of drinking water to citizens in newly added villages under PMC’s jurisdiction. Everyone must keep this in mind.
