Pune: Water Crisis Deepens In Vadgaon Sheri, Viman Nagar, Vishrantwadi; Residents Protest Against Disrupted Supply
Pune: Water Crisis Deepens In Vadgaon Sheri, Viman Nagar, Vishrantwadi; Residents Protest Against Disrupted Supply
Pune: The ongoing water crisis in Vadgaon Sheri has intensified as a cable burn at the Bhama Askhed dam jackwell continues to disrupt supply. For over a month, many areas have been experiencing low water pressure, while some have received no supply at all, forcing residents to search for water.
Despite repeated assurances from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), residents are still struggling for even drinking water. Frustrated by the inaction, local leaders from various political parties joined citizens in a large-scale protest against the water supply department.
The protest saw participation from former corporators Sandeep Jarhad and Sunita Galande, along with other prominent local leaders. The water supply for Vadgaon Sheri is sourced from Bhama Askhed dam, while Kharadi relies on the Cantonment water supply centre. Although maintenance work had caused temporary disruptions, PMC officials have failed to restore regular supply for the past eight days.
Impact Across East Pune
On March 5, a cable at the Bhama Askhed dam jackwell burnt out, shutting down the pumping system for nearly 10 hours. This severely affected the water supply in East Pune, including Vadgaon Sheri, Sanjay Park, Viman Nagar, MHADA Colony, Lohegaon, and parts of Kharadi. While officials claim repairs were completed, many areas continue to suffer from inadequate supply.
In Kharadi, localities such as Sejwal Park, Kalubai Nagar, Thite Vasti, and Vrundavan Society have been without water for nearly four days, leaving residents struggling to meet basic needs.
Allegations of Artificial Shortage
Residents have raised concerns that an artificial water shortage is being created to benefit private tanker contractors. Former corporator Sandeep Jarhad has alleged that despite PMC’s claim of providing 72 MLD (million litres daily) of water—more than the required 65 MLD—residents are still facing shortages, raising questions about the diversion of water.
Threat of Handa Morcha Protest
The Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing project in Kharadi, home to thousands of residents, is also facing a severe crisis. While it was expected that two separate pipelines would be installed for the project’s two societies, only one has been connected, leaving society water tanks dry.
With only four to five tankers being supplied daily—insufficient for even 100 households—residents have threatened a ‘Handa Morcha’ protest if the water supply is not restored within two days.
PMC has assured that the situation will be resolved soon, stating that the repair work is complete and water supply will be gradually restored in the affected areas.
