Pune: With the imminent inclusion of seven neighboring villages under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) jurisdiction, concerns over rising water demand have intensified. In a proactive move to address potential shortages, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh has requested the reservation of water from Mulshi Dam for the city’s future needs.
In response to the request, Maharashtra’s Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has directed an audit of PCMC’s water usage. The Chief Water Examiner has been tasked with verifying the data provided by the civic body. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister Vikhe Patil at the state ministry.
Key attendees included MLA Mahesh Landge, Secretary of the Water Resources Department Deepak Kapoor, Executive Director of Krishna Valley Development Corporation Atul Kapole, Chief Engineer Hanumant Gunale, and senior PCMC officials including Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Joint City Engineer Pramod Ombase, and Executive Engineer Deepak Patil.
During the discussions, Minister Vikhe Patil emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough audit to ensure accurate water usage data. He acknowledged PCMC’s initiatives in wastewater treatment and reuse but stressed the need for enhanced measures, including desilting and maintenance of Mulshi Dam. Instructions were issued to install water meters at dam outlets to monitor usage accurately.
MLA Shankar Jagtap highlighted the pressing need for water reservation from Mulshi Dam, citing rapid population growth as a critical factor. He projected that by 2051, Pimpri-Chinchwad’s water requirement would escalate to 814 million liters per day (MLD).
Currently, PCMC’s water supply sources include 530 MLD from Pavana Dam, 80 MLD from Andra Dam weir, and 20 MLD from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), totaling 630 MLD. However, with a 7% annual population growth rate, the city anticipates a significant water shortfall in the future. MLA Jagtap advocated for an immediate reservation of 760 MLD from Mulshi Dam to bridge this gap.
The Krishna Valley Development Corporation has been instructed to collaborate with PCMC officials for the water audit and to explore advanced wastewater recycling initiatives. Additionally, a detailed report has been sought on the feasibility of reserving water from Mulshi Dam and other sources.
MLA Jagtap clarified that PCMC is operating within its sanctioned water quota and emphasized the urgency of proactive measures to secure sufficient water supply. He also assured residents that necessary steps would be taken to address the city’s growing needs.
As part of PCMC’s jurisdictional expansion, seven villages—Gahunje, Jambe, Marunji, Hinjawadi, Mann, Nere, and Sangwade—will soon be incorporated. MLA Jagtap underscored the need for timely action to ensure adequate water availability for the expanding population.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of detailed planning and sustainable resource management to safeguard Pimpri-Chinchwad’s water future.
