Pune:As temperatures soar, the city has experienced a significant surge in water demand over the past two months, impacting both urban centers and suburban areas. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is striving to meet the heightened needs of every resident. However, officials have noted that certain societies are consuming water far beyond the prescribed limits.
Despite being issued directives by the water supply department to curb their usage, many of these societies have failed to comply. Consequently, the department has signaled that it may escalate its approach by directly disconnecting tap connections rather than issuing further warnings.
The PMC is also re-evaluating its Equal Water Supply Scheme—a strategy that includes the installation of new water pipelines and water meters in both societies and independent residential associations. Recent data from these meters reveal a marked increase in water consumption. While formal notices have been dispatched to heavy users, persistent non-adherence has prompted the municipal authorities to consider more stringent actions.
In addition, the PMC has organized the city into 141 water supply zones under this scheme, with 47 zones already operational. In 41 of these zones, officials are closely monitoring the water released from the main and society tanks. Although the scheme stipulates an allocation of 135 liters per person, some societies are reportedly using between 500 and 600 liters. Inspections have uncovered issues such as leakage in the tanks, absence of automatic shut-off systems when tanks reach capacity, and situations where water continues to flow even after tanks are full.
Due to these findings, affected societies have been formally instructed to reduce their water usage and rectify the leakages. With repeated non-compliance observed, discussions are now underway about the possibility of cutting off water supplies to these over-consuming societies.
