PMC to undertake ground water recharge project in three public gardens
By: Pune Pulse
September 12, 2023
Pune: In response to the increased demand for water resulting from rapid urbanization and the merging of villages, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has started focusing on groundwater conservation. This move aims to address the water challenges faced by the city.
PMC is implementing measures at various gardens to actively contribute to groundwater recharge, with three gardens selected for the pilot project.
As per the information provided, to facilitate the effective implementation of groundwater conservation, PMC has established a dedicated groundwater cell. This specialized unit is responsible for coordinating efforts related to groundwater preservation, including safeguarding sources and reserves of groundwater, monitoring the extraction of water through bore wells, and taking proactive measures to prevent groundwater pollution.
One of the key elements of their plan is the systematic survey of water bodies within the city to identify existing groundwater reserves and assess their condition. By understanding the state of these resources, PMC can better strategize for their preservation and sustainable use. PMC has also allocated funds to support these initiatives, with several gardens identified for groundwater recharge. These green spaces will play a pivotal role in recharging groundwater and increasing the overall water availability in the city.
Additionally, PMC plans to implement similar initiatives at ponds in Harantale, Uruli Devachi, Dhayari, and Uttam Nagar, which will contribute to the groundwater recharge system and benefit the surrounding communities by ensuring a more sustainable and reliable water supply.
While talking to Pune Pulse, Ashok Ghorpade, Chief Superintendent Engineer of the Garden Department, said, “Groundwater experts will guide us to recharge groundwater. In the pilot project, we have selected three gardens out of six: Ghorpade Garden, Late Jaisingrao Sasane Garden, and Late Vitthalrao Shivarkar Udyan. We have estimated funds of Rs 80 lakh to recharge groundwater at these gardens.”
Amit Herkar, Junior Engineer, emphasized the importance of sustainable water use and conservation, stating that “groundwater is one of the crucial water sources in the city and therefore must be conserved and protected.”
The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) has allocated Rs 20 lakh to boost groundwater levels, with selected gardens to be used for groundwater recharge with the help of these funds.
