Delay In Pune’s Equal Water Supply Scheme Sparks Public Discontent; MLA Chandrakant Patil Criticizes PMC
Kothrud, 22nd February 2025: The long-delayed Equal Water Supply Scheme in Pune continues to face setbacks, with work still incomplete despite an initial deadline set two years ago. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is now seeking an extension of another 2 to 2.5 years to complete the project. With the scheme dragging on for seven years, residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
In Kothrud, where the work remains stalled, Higher and Technical Education Minister and local MLA Chandrakant Patil has voiced his dissatisfaction with the PMC’s progress. He has directed officials to expedite the project and implement measures to prevent water leakage.
Despite Kothrud being home to prominent leaders such as Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol, Minister Chandrakant Patil, and MP Medha Kulkarni, the stalled progress of the scheme has raised eyebrows. Many residents continue to face water shortages, delayed supply, and low water pressure across the constituency.
Against this backdrop, Patil recently conducted a review meeting on the water supply situation. The meeting was attended by Water Supply Department Head Nandkishore Jagtap, Superintendent Engineer Shrikant Vaidande, Executive Engineer Vinod Kshirsagar, Deputy Engineer Prashant Kadam, and Junior Engineer Ganesh Kakade.
The Equal Water Supply Scheme has identified 141 zones across Pune, with 17 zones allocated to Kothrud. PMC officials informed Patil that new water channels are being laid where necessary and integrated into the existing distribution network. Of the new water tanks planned for Kothrud, 16 have been completed. However, work on the Ideal Colony tank remains stalled due to a legal dispute between PMC and Law College. Patil instructed officials to resolve the issue through dialogue to ensure project completion.
With Pune’s growing population increasing the demand for water, authorities are considering alternative sources to meet the city’s needs. Chandrakant Patil stated that relying solely on Khadakwasla Dam is no longer feasible, and a proposal to source water from Mulshi Dam is under review. A decision on this is expected in the coming days.
