Pune: Water Shortage Woes Continue Mohammadwadi And Undri As Newly Built Tanks Stay Empty

Mohammadwadi, 21st June 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recently completed the construction of three water tanks in front of Royal Heritage Mall on NIBM Road after three years of work. However, to the disappointment of the residents, the tanks remain devoid of water.

Despite the substantial investment of crores of rupees, the tanks are now filled with garbage, discarded liquor bottles, and cigarette butts. The lack of security measures, such as an open gate, has also attracted unwanted individuals, leading to concerns for public safety.

Under the 24 by 7 scheme, a total of 82 drinking water tanks are planned to be built across Pune city. While the construction of three tanks in Undri has been completed, the water supply has not yet been initiated. As a result, residents in the area continue to face low water pressure, with some having to rely on purchasing water from tankers. The societies in Raiza Chowk are particularly affected by this issue. Pramod alias Nana Bhangire, speaking on behalf of the residents, urged the authorities to expedite the necessary work on the tanks.

The three tanks have capacities of three MLD, two and a half MLD, and one and a half MLD, respectively. They are intended to provide water to the people of Mohammadwadi and Undri. However, due to complications with the water channel from Mohammadwadi pass, which is managed by the Forest Department, the transfer of land from the department to the Municipal Corporation has not taken place. The issue is currently under discussion, causing delays in the final stages of the project. Additionally, a dispute between the trustees of the Bhairavanath Trust has halted work on the water channel at the Mohammadwadi Gaaothan site. Efforts are being made to resolve these matters, but the lack of available land is further impeding progress, according to municipal officials.

This situation reflects a larger problem faced by many areas in the city, resulting in inadequate water supply. With the monsoon season approaching, urgent action is needed to complete the pending work and alleviate the inconvenience caused to the citizens. MLA Chetan Tupe emphasized the necessity for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to address these issues promptly and efficiently.

Undri, which came under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation twenty-five years ago, has witnessed significant growth in the past decade, with numerous societies emerging in the area. However, the local municipality has failed to provide essential facilities to the residents. While the tanks have been physically constructed, the delayed laying of the aqueduct, influenced by political apathy, the tanker lobby, and administrative inefficiency, has led to the current predicament, as highlighted by Ashish Jagtap.

Despite the completion of the water tanks three years ago, citizens continue to face the burden of purchasing water from vendors and relying on tankers. Danish Khan expressed the frustration of the residents, who are financially strained by this monthly expenditure.

Anirudh Pavaskar, Superintending Engineer and Head of the Water Supply Department at Pune Municipal Corporation, assured that the ongoing water pipeline work at Santoshnagar is expected to be completed by the end of December. He affirmed that these tanks will be utilized for the provision of drinking water.