Pune Municipal Corporation Proposes Stringent Rules to Address Water Scarcity

In response to escalating water scarcity and wastage issues in Pune city, the water supply department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has drafted permanent rules to regulate water usage. Officials have forwarded the proposal to the legal department of the civic body for final approval.

Nand Kishore Jagtap, head of the water supply department, PMC, outlined the initiative’s objective of ensuring equitable water distribution and curbing misuse. The proposed rules encompass regulations, penalties, and actions to deter wastage and misuse of water.

Under the proposed regulations, the use of potable water for non-essential purposes like vehicle washing, gardening, and entertainment activities such as water fountains will be prohibited. Potable water should be strictly reserved for drinking and cooking purposes.

Commercial establishments like malls and theatres will also be brought under the PMC’s purview to restrict water usage to essential activities such as drinking, road construction, and cleaning. Violations such as street washing, overflowing tanks, bypassing water meters, and using potable water for construction purposes will incur penalties.

Additionally, the proposed rules aim to limit water consumption by imposing penalties for excessive usage, including the use of pumps and consumption exceeding 150 liters per person per day.

The expansion of PMC limits due to the merger of 34 villages has exacerbated water scarcity in the city. Recognizing water as a finite resource, officials underscored the necessity of establishing a comprehensive rulebook for water consumption.