Installation Delays Pose Threat to Pune’s 24×7 Water Supply Project
Pune, 20th February 2024: Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) commitment to completing the 24×7 water supply project by June-end, the sluggish installation of water meters in the city may impede its execution. Civic officials cite opposition from residents, fueled by local political leaders and cadres, as a significant cause of the delay. Threats to PMC workers and objections to road digging activities have hampered progress, with property owners holding illegal water connections leading the protests.
PMC administrator Vikram Kumar acknowledged challenges in areas where meters are already installed, citing leakages, misuse of supply, and unauthorized connections. He stated, “PMC has reported good results in locations where units are set up. We plan to speed up installation in remaining areas.” The shortage of chips for water meter production and the delayed appointment of a consultant since 2021 have also contributed to the setback.
Civic records indicate that water meter installations commenced five years ago, with over 60% of the target achieved. Approximately 1 lakh meters out of a total 3.18 lakh are yet to be installed. Under the project, 1,250km of pipelines are to be laid, with 1,000km completed so far. Of the planned 82 water tanks, 50 have been constructed, 16 are under construction, and paperwork for 16 more is in progress.
Nandakishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department, explained ongoing negotiations with landowners for tank connections, stating, “Connecting lines for tanks will be laid after getting possession of such properties.”
However, activists, including Vivek Velankar of Sajag Nagrik Manch, a citizens’ group, criticized the delay as mismanagement, leading to cost escalation and the wastage of public funds. Velankar advocated for recovering costs from civic officials responsible for the project delay.
