Pune: Residents of 23 merged areas are bracing for a looming water crisis as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) plans to implement citywide precautionary supply cuts starting next week. The shift to alternate-day supply has sparked panic in localities that already receive water once every two or three days, with residents fearing worsening chaos and uncertainty.
Residents Demand Clear Water Supply Plan
Panicked residents have called on the civic administration to chart out a clear and area-specific water supply plan. They argue that such a plan would ensure a degree of predictability and help avoid widespread distress during the next two months. Ashok Mate, a resident living along the Hadapsar-Manjari Road, said the water cut announcement only heightened existing concerns. “Areas beyond Hadapsar are already struggling with erratic water flow. If the supply is reduced further, we don’t know how people will cope. While PMC is working on water distribution projects in Manjari and surrounding localities, the ground reality remains grim. Many housing societies are forced to depend on daily water tanker deliveries just to get by,” he explained.
Frustration Runs Deep in Merged Zones
The frustration is even deeper in other merged zones. Sus resident Sanjay Patil said people were tired of unkept promises and unreliable supply. “We are already dealing with low pressure and irregular water supply. Imposing cuts here will only make things worse,” he said, urging the administration to exempt these areas altogether from the cuts. In Lohegaon, disappointment is sharper. Four years after being incorporated into PMC limits, residents said basic infrastructure remains inadequate. “We were promised better water supply, but nothing has improved. Now it feels like things could go from bad to worse,” said resident Ashok Sharma.
Fears of Exploitation by Private Tanker Operators
As fear of scarcity rises, so do concerns about exploitation. Residents worry that private tanker operators might seize the opportunity presented by supply cuts. Sachin Ubhe from Ambegaon said he feared artificial shortages could be created to drive up water tanker prices. “Tanker rates may shoot up and people will have no choice but to pay,” he warned.
PMC Officials Respond
Meanwhile, PMC officials maintained that they were not turning a blind eye to supply issues. An official stated, “Zone-wise water management plans are being prepared, taking into account existing supply patterns. Areas already receiving alternate-day water will not face additional cuts.” However, for thousands of residents staring at empty taps and uncertain days ahead, assurances alone may not be enough. “We, therefore, want the administration to monitor operations of water tankers and come out with a clear supply plan,” Ubhe added.
Additional Information
Residents can also check current rates for gold, silver, bank holidays, public holidays, and fuel prices in Pune for better planning during this period.
