In response to persistent complaints of inadequate water supply in the merged areas of Ambegaon, Dhayari, Jambhulwadi, and Narhe within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) boundaries, a comprehensive study is underway. The civic administration is nearing the completion of the study, and the eagerly awaited detailed project report (DPR) is expected to be ready by February 2024.
Despite the amalgamation of these areas under the PMC over the past six years, residents have voiced concerns about the ongoing water scarcity issues. To address this, the civic administration initiated studies for all 23 areas brought under PMC jurisdiction, focusing on phased preparations for DPRs.
Pipelines are already being laid in Bavdhan, one of the merged areas, and a completed DPR for Wagholi and Lohegaon reflects the commitment of the government to improve water distribution. The ongoing study for Ambegaon and its surrounding regions aims to create a comprehensive plan for the installation of new water distribution pipelines, overhead tanks, and an efficient distribution network.
Representatives from PMC’s water supply department emphasized that the completed DPRs will undergo further approvals once prepared. The objective is to present a robust plan that addresses the water supply challenges faced by the growing population in Ambegaon, Narhe, Dhayari, and Jambhulwadi over the past decade.
Local resident Vicky Agarwal expressed the frustration of the community, stating a five-year-long wait for improvements in water supply. Despite being part of PMC, these areas still heavily rely on private tanker water, facing disparities compared to central areas. Many parts still lack distribution lines, and residents often resort to spending significant amounts on water tankers throughout the year.
While acknowledging the long-term benefits of the comprehensive study, another resident emphasized the need for immediate relief. They suggested that the administration should increase water tanker trips promptly, charging appropriately for the service, to address the daily challenges faced by the residents.
