Pimpri Chinchwad’s Water Infrastructure Boost: PCMC Invests Rs 238 Crores in Four Schemes

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 25th February 2024: The population of Pimpri Chinchwad city has been rapidly increasing, making it a preferred place to live due to its livability and smart city initiatives. Consequently, the demand for water, along with infrastructure facilities, has surged. To address this, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been implementing four schemes over the past 18 months. Approximately 42 crores in funds have been received from the central government for these schemes.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated that Rs 238 crore will be spent on these four schemes, which include the construction of elevated water tanks, pump houses, and main water channels connecting the tanks. These projects are being executed with the assumption of the city’s population in 2041, and they are expected to be completed and operational within the current year.

To address the increasing water demand in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the Water Supply Department has been actively implementing measures. Under the government’s ‘Amrut 1 Yojana,’ PCMC has laid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) water pipes with anti-leakage features, covering 60% of the entire area. Additionally, materials such as medium-density polyethene (MDPE) water pipes have been utilized to reconnect 1,25,000 old tap joints. PCMC is prioritizing the installation of high-quality pipelines to prevent water leakage in the city’s water channels, aiming to minimize future leaks.

The project involves the construction of main pipelines and tanks in different phases across various sections of the city, with estimated costs as follows:

– Phase 1: Dudulgaon, Chovisawadi, Wadmukhwadi, Charholi – Rs 62.43 Crores

– Phase 2: Chikhali, Moshi, and Areas – Rs 59.43 Crores

– Phase 3: Bhosari, Wakad, Thergaon – Rs 64.66 Crores

– Phase 4: Kiwale, Punawale, Tathawade – Rs 51.78 Crores

Additionally, PCMC has requested the government to approve water supply from Mulshi Dam to address future water needs, considering the projected population growth until 2041. The municipality is also implementing water harvesting initiatives through the new ‘Bhama Askhed Yojana’ to enhance water supply resilience in the city.

PCMC Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil stated, “With the expanding population in the PCMC limits, there is a heightened demand for water. To address this escalating water demand, the PCMC water supply department is tirelessly working on augmenting water storage. A scheme amounting to 238 crores has been initiated to enhance water capacity, and the ongoing efforts of the past 18 months are rapidly progressing toward completion. The scheme involves the construction of main water channels and large tanks, with an allocated budget of 238 crores, considering the anticipated population growth by 2041. All aspects of the scheme are currently in the implementation phase.”

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted, “The city of Pimpri Chinchwad is becoming increasingly attractive to residents due to its robust infrastructure facilities, resulting in a significant rise in population. Our commitment remains steadfast in meeting the essential needs of this growing population while continually enhancing the city’s infrastructure. The PCMC water supply department is actively engaged in addressing the rising water demand in the area. Presently, we are executing work through four packages to ensure ample water supply to residents and improve overall water efficiency within the city. Consequently, the municipal administration is dedicated to consistently providing abundant water to the citizens within the PCMC limits.”