Despite Dire Shortage, Wasteful Practices Persist Across City
Pune, India – Despite facing a severe water scarcity crisis, many residents in Pune are flouting directives from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to conserve water, as revealed by a recent investigation conducted by a Hindustan Times team. Instances of water wastage were observed across various neighborhoods of the city, highlighting a troubling disregard for conservation measures.
Disregard for Conservation Measures:
- During the investigation, multiple instances of water wastage were documented, including car washing activities in Shivaji Nagar and cleaning of premises in Gokhale Nagar and Jan Wadi.
- Residents were observed washing cars and bungalows with water, contravening the PMC’s directives to use water judiciously amidst the ongoing crisis.
Residents Express Concern:
- Expressing dismay over the wasteful practices, a resident of Erandwane emphasized the inconsistency between demands for increased water supply and the lack of adherence to conservation guidelines.
- While some residents justified their actions, citing the necessity for cleanliness, the pervasive wastage underscores a critical need for heightened awareness and compliance.
Official Response and Mitigation Efforts:
- Pune district collector Suhas Diwase recently chaired a meeting to address the water shortage crisis, where officials discussed measures to alleviate the situation.
- In response to dwindling dam water stocks, the PMC has issued directives prohibiting the use of civic body-supplied water for car washing and construction activities, emphasizing the importance of utilizing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) water.
Continued Concern Amidst Efforts:
- Despite proactive measures implemented by authorities, the persistence of wasteful practices among some residents underscores the urgent need for collective action and adherence to conservation guidelines to mitigate the water scarcity crisis.
As Pune grapples with dwindling water resources, the responsibility falls on residents and authorities alike to prioritize conservation efforts and adopt sustainable water management practices for the well-being of the community.
