Despite mounting concerns from citizens and environmental activists, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is forging ahead with its plan to construct three water tanks atop Hanuman Tekdi. The move has sparked discontent among locals who fear the destruction of the area’s natural water recharge system. Activists argue that a pre-existing tank near Law College Road renders the new project unnecessary and potentially harmful to the environment.
The PMC’s water supply department has commenced marking the land for the construction of the water tanks, triggering protests from environmentalists who anticipate adverse consequences on the hill’s ecosystem. While the senior PMC official asserts that all necessary authorizations are in place and the project will benefit around five lakh people, residents and activists remain unconvinced.
Sushma Date, a member of the Save Vetal Tekdi Foundation and a resident near Hanuman Tekdi, expressed concerns about the potential impact on natural aquifers and groundwater. She questions the need for the three proposed tanks on Hanuman Tekdi, emphasizing the potential consequences on water sources and open spaces.
The resident argues that the project, involving construction over 0.7 hectares, will significantly reduce the open space available on the Tekdi. The destruction of natural water recharge systems, potential drying up of borewells, and the impact on eco-sensitive zones and ancient aquifer systems are central to the activists’ opposition.
Despite earlier hurdles, including a forest department order for a stay in 2017, the PMC obtained clearance from the Ministry of Environment and resumed work on the project. The senior PMC water department official indicates that the three tanks will have a combined capacity of 23.5 million liters and aims to address water supply issues for nearby residents within the next eighteen months.
The controversy surrounding the project was raised at a meeting on Pune City’s water problems, with a citizen activist highlighting past instances where PMC projects allegedly squandered funds and negatively impacted biodiversity in the city’s hills.
