PMC comes up with Rs 230 crore plan for Lohegaon & Wagholi water issue; WACO raises doubts

By: Pune Pulse

October 13, 2023

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has drawn Rs 230 crore in funding to resolve water issues in the Lohegaon & Wagholi areas.

Vikram Kumar, PMC Commissioner, stated that the DPR for the water supply system under the Wagholi-Lohegaon project has recently been approved by the PMC. The DPR plans for the two areas have been approved, assuming that in 2052, the populations of Lohegaon and Wagholi will expand to 2,32,155 and 3,39,282, respectively. With 5,71,437 people living in both places, it would take 112 MLD of water to suit everyone’s demands. As a result, the PMC has asked the state government for 1.45 TMC [thousand million cubic feet] of water for the region.

However, this plan has met with deep criticism and doubt from a Wagholi Association ‘Team Wagholi Against Corruption Organization (WACO).’

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Anil Kumar Mishra, Founder and President, Team WACO said, “We had an all-inclusive meeting with PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar on July 27 this year where he had assured that the work will begin till September 2023 & they will give us the final DPR till that time. However, that has not happened. About the Rs 230 crore water-related plan, it is simply showing a lollypop to people as, before this, the Rs 281 crore plan was drafted by the PMC a long back. Tenders were floated. But, before issuing tenders, why wasn’t the DPR finalized? Even the PMRDA had floated tenders for the water plan of Wagholi a while ago, but nothing happened about it as well. Hence, we need action on the ground. PMC had assured us of the beginning of water work, drainage work, road work etc till September in our meeting. Even that has not begun.”

Mishra has further stated that if action for water, road, drainage and all other works in Wagholi is not taken till the month of October, then Team WACO will plan & execute its next big movement.

Shreyas Vange