Pune, 14th July 2023: The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) is currently in the process of implementing a separate water scheme for the villages of Uruli Devachi and Fursungi. However, concerns have arisen regarding the financial responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the water scheme as plans are underway to establish a municipal council for the two villages.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has communicated its stance to the Urban Development Department, asserting that the burden of these expenses should not fall on them. The issue of cost allocation remains unresolved, and a decision is expected from the Urban Development Department.
While a municipal council will be formed for Uruli Devachi and Fursungi villages, the presence of municipal waste disposal in the vicinity has prompted a request to the government to cover the costs associated with operating, maintaining, and repairing the water scheme. The MJP is currently executing a water scheme with a capacity of 33 million liters for these villages, with the PMC funding the construction of water channels and storage tanks. Thus far, the PMC has allocated Rs 31 crores towards the project.
However, the Maharashtra state government has been urged to assign the financial responsibility for operating and maintaining the water scheme to the PMC. In response, the PMC has expressed its position clearly, stating that they should not bear the financial burden.
Currently, the PMC supplies water to these villages through 200 tanker rounds per day. However, once the water scheme is fully operational, the use of tankers will cease. It is important to note that the PMC has been providing water via tankers to both villages even before their inclusion within municipal limits, due to the presence of municipal waste depots. Therefore, the PMC emphasizes that no additional financial strain should be imposed upon them.
As the issue awaits a decision from the Urban Development Department, the PMC and other relevant authorities will continue to assess the situation and work towards a resolution that ensures the provision of reliable and sustainable water supply to Fursungi and Uruli Devachi villages without imposing an undue financial burden on the PMC.
