PCMC Faces Criticism for Alleged Inadequate Response to Water Quality Issues

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 22nd February 2024: Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad, who have been enduring alternate-day water supply for the past four years, will have to continue with this arrangement for another year. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has communicated that the alternate-day water supply will persist until 2025. As the summer season commences, there has been a surge in complaints regarding inadequate and low-pressure water supply. The community is facing prolonged challenges with the current water distribution system, and the daily water supply, promised for the future, remains postponed until at least the following year.

Residents in Hinjawadi and Thergaon-Wakad areas are grappling with not only low water pressure issues but also severe problems related to contaminated water supply. In Hinjawadi, the discovery of larvae in drinking water filters raised alarms, while nearby Wakad residents are contending with muddy water concerns.

Despite complaints, the PCMC’s response is alleged to be insufficient, with particular complaints about overlooking low water pressure issues. In Thergaon, despite recent water channel replacement efforts, residents continue to face reduced pressure and ongoing contamination problems. These challenges have sparked concerns among residents, urging the PCMC to intervene urgently and address the issues related to both water quality and pressure.

According to reports that ‘Punekar News’ has received, residents are currently grappling with water supply issues, specifically high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and black-coloured water. The elevated TDS levels can affect the water quality and its taste, while the presence of black-coloured water raises concerns about potential contamination. These issues further contribute to the challenges faced by residents in obtaining safe and clean water for their daily needs. The local authorities and water management agencies may need to investigate and address these concerns promptly to ensure the provision of safe and quality water to the affected residents.

Pimpri-Chinchwad city relies on water supply from Pavana Dam in Maval. The PCMC administration initiated alternate-day water supply on November 25, 2019, citing the need for equitable distribution due to a surge in water supply complaints. Despite being initially implemented as a temporary measure, the alternate-day water supply has continued for over four years.

Anticipating the city’s population growth until 2045, PCMC is planning to source 267 million litres per day (MLD) of water from Andhra and Bhama Askhed dams. A water treatment plant spanning 8 hectares in Chikhali has been established by PCMC to treat this additional water supply. Water is extracted from the embankment at Nighoje from Andhra Dam and distributed to the affected area’s residents.

However, despite these efforts, the rising population is facing water scarcity issues, leading to an increase in complaints. The challenge of meeting the growing water demand necessitates continued assessment and planning to ensure a sustainable and sufficient water supply for the expanding population.

The construction of the aqueduct to transport water from Bhama-Askhed Dam is facing challenges due to the involvement of multiple entities such as the Public Works Department, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Forest, and Water Resources Department. The complexities associated with land acquisition from these different departments have posed difficulties, but efforts are being made to expedite the process. Regular monthly reviews are conducted to assess the progress of the work.

The completion of the aqueduct project is expected by 2025. Until then, the water supply to Pimpri-Chinchwad city will continue on an alternate-day basis. PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh has indicated that the transition to daily water supply will be feasible once additional water is secured, emphasizing the commitment to resolving the water supply challenges in the future.

The city receives a total water supply of 595 million litres per day (MLD) sourced from the Pavana and Andhra dams. Of this, 510 MLD comes from Pavana, 70 MLD from the water treatment plant at Chikhali, and 15 MLD from the Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

However, as summer begins, there has been a surge in water supply complaints. Residents across various parts of the city are reporting issues such as low water pressure, insufficient supply, and irregular water distribution. Additionally, there have been recent complaints of contaminated water supply in areas of Wakad over the past week. Furthermore, reports indicate a significant reduction or even absence of water in the dams that supply water to the Pune district. These rumours have proliferated among citizens, sparking panic and exacerbating concerns about the availability of water in the region.

In response to the concerns raised by complainants, PCMC Water Supply Department Chief Engineer Shrikant Savane reassured, “Complaints have surged due to a decrease in water levels in the Chikhali river. This issue will be addressed within two days. The Pavana dam currently holds 58% water storage, ensuring an ample water supply until the end of June. Therefore, there is no need for water-related concerns at this time.”