Special Correspondent
Pune: With the onset of summer, the water crisis in Manjari village has worsened, leaving residents in slum areas like Manjari Farm, Mahadevnagar, Ghule Vasti, Gopalpatti, and Mundhwa Road struggling for water over the past month. Many households are forced to spend thousands on private water tankers to meet their daily needs.
Inadequate PMC Water Supply Adds to Woes
After the village was included in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, residents had hoped for a steady water supply. While the PMC has laid pipelines and started tap connections in some areas, the water supply remains insufficient and inconsistent, leaving many residents without access to clean water.
The situation has worsened since the beginning of the year. Borewells dried up by February, leading to a severe drinking water shortage. Although water tanks were initially set up in the village, their supply has now stopped, forcing residents to depend on irregular tanker services.
Residents Demand Immediate Action
“Every April-May, the water problem worsens. Although the PMC started water supply this year, it only partially addresses the issue. Residents dependent on borewells will still struggle for water. The corporation should promptly provide clean and sufficient water,” said Rajendra Salve, President of the Akhil Manjari Nagar Residents Action Committee.
Despite constructing a large water tank, the PMC has yet to manage the village’s water needs effectively, even two and a half years after merging Manjari into its jurisdiction.
Controversial 20% Water Tax Proposal
Adding to residents’ frustration is a recent PMC proposal to levy a 20% water tax on all 23 merged villages, including Manjari. Locals have expressed outrage, questioning how they can be expected to pay taxes when basic water needs remain unmet.
“The proposal is unfair. The corporation needs to ensure adequate water supply before considering any tax implementation,” said one disgruntled resident.
The Akhil Manjari Nagar Residents Action Committee and villagers have urged the PMC to prioritize resolving the water crisis, ensuring timely tanker supply, and delivering clean, adequate water to every household.
