Pune: Maval MP Says Pavana Water Unfit for Drinking, Seeks All-Party Meet for Revival of Closed Water Pipeline Project

Pimpri Chinchwad, 22nd May 2026: Raising concerns over the quality of drinking water supplied to Pimpri Chinchwad, Maval MP Shrirang Barne has urged the state government to convene an all-party meeting to resolve issues surrounding the long-pending Pavana closed water pipeline project.

In a representation submitted to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Barne claimed that water being lifted from the Pavana river for Pimpri Chinchwad was heavily polluted and unfit for drinking. He said untreated sewage, chemical waste and even animal remains were being found in the river, posing serious health risks to residents.

The MP said laboratory reports had also indicated that the water quality in the river was not potable. “Citizens cannot be forced to consume contaminated water. The Pavana closed pipeline project is essential to ensure safe drinking water for Pimpri Chinchwad,” Barne said.

The project, which has remained stalled for years due to opposition from farmers and land acquisition-related disputes, is aimed at supplying water through a closed pipeline system instead of lifting it directly from the riverbed.

Barne requested the government to hold a joint meeting with local residents, farmers, current and former public representatives, protest groups and various organisations to arrive at a consensus and revive the project. He said he had also met deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and submitted a memorandum regarding the issue.

Highlighting the city’s growing water demand, Barne said Pimpri Chinchwad’s population had crossed 32 lakh and the civic body was currently lifting around 550 MLD water daily from the Ravet bund on the Pavana river. He alleged that the river had become severely polluted due to discharge of sewage and industrial waste.

He further pointed out that water drawn from the Indrayani river through the Nigdi weir, linked to the Andra dam supply system, was also polluted. Although the water is treated before distribution, Barne said the possibility of health hazards due to contaminated raw water could not be ruled out.

The MP also noted that as per tribunal norms, water can be lifted directly from the river for only four months in a year, while for the remaining eight months supply must be routed through a closed pipeline system. However, since the closed pipeline project has not been completed, water continues to be lifted directly from the river throughout the year, he said.

Barne said both Fadnavis and Shinde had assured him that discussions would be held with all stakeholders to find a solution and move the project forward.