Pune Civic Chief Cracks Down on Water Usage at Construction Sites, Orders Report on STP Water Usage
Pune Civic Chief Cracks Down on Water Usage at Construction Sites, Orders Report on STP Water Usage ( Representational Image )
In response to the burgeoning demand for water at construction sites, Pune Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale has taken decisive action to enforce the use of treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs). With an aim to conserve fresh water and mitigate the city’s water scarcity, Bhosale has mandated the utilization of treated water for all construction activities.
Bhosale’s directive comes amid concerns over groundwater wastage and the looming water crisis in Pune. The municipal commissioner has instructed the water department to furnish a detailed report within a week on the current status of STP water usage at construction sites. Non-compliance with this mandate will result in the immediate cessation of construction work across multiple sites.
A survey conducted by the PMC engineering department revealed that construction activities spanning an area of 50 lakh square feet are underway in the city, significantly exacerbating the demand for water. Despite the availability of treated water, onsite inspections uncovered widespread non-compliance among developers, prompting Bhosale to escalate enforcement measures.
The commissioner emphasized the urgency of water conservation measures, particularly in light of diminished rainfall and depleted water levels in dams, which have adversely impacted water supply to the city. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the PMC has prioritized water tanker supply to residents in newly merged villages facing acute water shortages.
In a proactive move, the civic body has issued notices to 200 site developers, seeking explanations for their failure to adhere to the directive on STP water usage. Out of a total of 326 ongoing construction projects within PMC’s jurisdiction, only 128 are utilizing treated water, highlighting the widespread non-compliance with the commissioner’s order.
As Pune grapples with its water crisis, Bhosale’s stringent measures underscore the imperative of sustainable water management practices and collective efforts to mitigate the city’s water woes.
