Pune: Balewadi-Baner Residents Demand Immediate Action From PMC Over Persistent Water Woes
Pune: Balewadi-Baner Residents Demand Immediate Action From PMC Over Persistent Water Woes
Pune: Residents of Balewadi and Baner have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to conduct immediate site visits and address long-standing water supply issues during a recent meeting with civic officials. The Balewadi Welfare Forum (BWF), representing local housing societies, pressed for urgent measures, including repairs to the distribution network and the replacement of ageing pipelines, to reduce dependence on water tankers.
Key Demands and Concerns:
Ramesh Rokde, a senior member of BWF, stated that in previous meetings at the Pune divisional commissioner’s office, PMC engineers had agreed to visit the affected societies to assess water issues. However, no comprehensive site visits have been conducted despite repeated follow-ups. “We submitted a list of societies facing water disruptions and demanded immediate inspections, which are still pending,” Rokde said.
The forum also sought details of PMC’s water supply plans, highlighting concerns over increasing demand due to rapid urbanization and high-rise constructions in the area. “We received assurances from officials that site visits would be conducted,” he added.
Growing Water Crisis Despite Smart City Tag:
Balewadi and Baner, both part of the Smart City initiative, have been grappling with low-pressure water supply, unscheduled releases, and supply disparities. “Despite being part of the Smart City project, we still face basic infrastructure issues. PMC must ensure adequate and uninterrupted water supply,” said Ashok Joshi, a resident.
Shortfall and Leakages Aggravating the Issue:
The BWF reported that Balewadi and surrounding areas require approximately 8 MLD (million liters per day) of water, while PMC supplies only 6 MLD, with nearly 30% of this supply unaccounted for due to leakages. The forum emphasized the urgent need for long-term solutions to address these shortages.
PMC’s Response:
PMC officials assured residents that site visits would commence within a week and immediate solutions would be provided for most issues.
Key Challenges:
- Insufficient Supply: Current supply of 6 MLD falls short of the 8 MLD required for the area.
- Frequent Disruptions: Unreliable supply forces residents to depend on water tankers.
- Ageing Infrastructure: Leaks and pipeline bursts are common due to outdated systems.
Residents hope that PMC’s efforts will resolve their water woes and bring a permanent solution to the crisis.
