As Pune grapples with the impending water crisis exacerbated by below-average rainfall and increased demand, the city has mandated the use of sewage treatment plant (STP) water at construction sites. However, construction firms, responsible for nearly 50 lakh square feet of ongoing projects in the city and suburbs, are neglecting this crucial directive, posing a threat to water conservation efforts.
The Urgency of STP Water Usage
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is confronted with a significant challenge in managing water distribution due to dams not reaching their full capacity. The annual average rainfall fell short, leaving dams underfilled and increasing the city’s vulnerability to a water crisis. In response, the mandatory usage of STP-treated water at construction sites was introduced, aiming to curb the excessive demand for fresh water.
The Ignored Mandate
Despite the pressing need for water conservation, construction firms are disregarding the mandatory use of STP water. With approximately 50 lakh square feet of construction projects ongoing, the city’s water demand remains high, making adherence to water-saving measures critical.
Mobile App Initiative
To optimize STP water use in the construction sector, a mobile application was developed, and awareness campaigns were conducted among real estate developers. The initial response was positive, resulting in the supply of 27,965 tankers of water by the civic body till January 10. However, over time, the demand for STP water decreased, prompting concerns about the efficacy of the conservation measures.
Increasing Demand for Water
The PMC has sought 20.90 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from the state water resources department, citing the merger of 34 villages within PMC limits. However, the department approved only 12.82 TMC, potentially falling short of the city’s growing population needs. The recorded rainfall in dam catchment areas last year was below the annual average, intensifying the water shortage.
Challenges and Reservations
Developers have cited issues such as rusting of construction steel due to treated water, contributing to their reluctance in using STP water. Complaints about declining demand after June and concerns about water quality have been raised. As a proactive measure, the PMC needs to enforce strict adherence to STP water usage, especially as the demand for drinking water increases.
Action Needed for Equitable Distribution
Somnath Shinde of Janhit Sangharsh Sena emphasized the importance of proactive water planning by the PMC. Increasing complaints of unequal water supply in certain areas and a rise in the number of water tankers necessitate immediate action to prevent drinking water misuse at construction sites.
