Residents in several key areas of Pune faced a second consecutive day of water supply disruptions on Saturday. The issue stemmed from a major breach in a crucial water pipeline, affecting neighbourhoods including Kothrud, Karvenagar, Baner, and Balewadi.
Overnight Repairs and Gradual Restoration
The Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) water supply department worked through the night on Friday to fix the damaged 1,000mm pipeline in the Karvenagar area. An official stated that the repairs were completed by Saturday morning, allowing supply to resume to the Warje and Holkar water treatment units.
However, the distribution to residential areas dependent on these units was affected during the crucial morning hours. The civic body confirmed that the damaged portion of the pipeline has been repaired and preliminary checks were conducted. Water pressure is improving in phases, with a commitment that supply to all affected zones—Kothrud, Paud Road, Baner-Balewadi, Bavdhan, and Pashan—would be completely restored by Sunday.
Origin of the Problem and Precautionary Measures
The problem first came to light on the night between Thursday and Friday when a breach was detected. Repair work began on Friday after reducing water pressure but faced delays due to technical reasons.
As a precautionary step, the administration also carried out repairs at two additional locations on the same pipeline to prevent potential future leaks. This comprehensive approach aimed to address not just the immediate break but also strengthen the vulnerable sections.
Resident Concerns and Civic Assurance
Residents from the impacted localities reported that water supply resumed at a low pressure by Saturday afternoon. Many have urged the civic administration to continuously monitor the ageing pipeline network to avoid such frequent and disruptive breakdowns.
In response to the crisis, the water supply department has assured citizens that water tankers will be deployed in the affected areas until Sunday to mitigate any shortage. "We have instructed local ward offices and deputy engineers to arrange tankers based on the specific requirements of each area," an official said.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of urban water infrastructure management in growing cities like Pune, where pipeline failures can significantly disrupt daily life for thousands of households.
