In a significant development for Pune residents enduring the heat, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure announced on Tuesday that there will be no water cuts in the city until the end of May. She emphasized that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) must maintain a consistent and reliable water supply throughout its jurisdiction.
The mayor’s announcement followed a review of the water situation, during which she instructed the suspension of all planned water cuts until May 31. This decision comes after concerns raised by corporators during a recent general body meeting regarding inadequate water supply in their respective areas, where they threatened protests if improvements were not made.
During her discussions, Nagpure examined current water reserves, the existing water treatment facilities, the distribution system, and contingency plans for potential water shortages. Pune’s water supply is sourced from several dams, including Panshet, Varasgaon, Temghar, and Khadakwasla, and she reviewed the water levels in these reservoirs. Due to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating a likelihood of below-average rainfall this year, she directed proactive planning and preparations.
As the monsoon season approaches, Nagpure noted enhancements in the chlorination processes at water treatment facilities and confirmed that an adequate supply of necessary chemicals has been secured. Maintenance tasks, including cleaning clarifiers and filter beds and repairing equipment, have been completed across all 17 treatment plants in the city. She stated that measures are being taken to improve the water purification process, particularly to handle the increased turbidity often seen during the rainy season.
Under the ‘Equal Water Supply Scheme’, ongoing infrastructure projects are aimed at enhancing water distribution, not only within the city’s historical boundaries but also in recently integrated villages. This initiative includes the establishment of new water treatment facilities, pumping stations, storage tanks, and distribution pipelines.
To optimize water management, the PMC plans to implement advanced technologies such as AI-based leak detection systems, robotic camera inspections, water tanker tracking, and mobile app monitoring.
Ajay Jadhav, Assistant Editor at The Indian Express in Pune, has over 22 years of experience in journalism, focusing on urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University, alongside a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility. His impactful reporting has influenced national policies concerning labor conditions for waste workers and highlighted discrepancies in infrastructure investment.
Adept at accountability journalism, Jadhav’s work connects high-level policy with the lived experiences of Pune’s citizens. He is committed to ensuring that Pune’s development does not compromise its environmental and social responsibilities.
On social media, he can be found on X (Twitter) under the handle @ajay_khape.
