“Pune Municipal Corporation and Irrigation Department Clash Over Rs 667 Crore Water Bills”
In a startling turn of events, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) finds itself embroiled in a contentious dispute with the Irrigation Department over water bills totaling a staggering Rs 667 crores. This unexpected clash has sent shockwaves through the administrative corridors of the city.
The Irrigation Department’s recent move to present the PMC with this hefty bill, which includes arrears, has left municipal authorities bewildered. In a firm rebuttal, the PMC has categorically rejected the bill, asserting that only 11 crores are legitimately owed for water utilization from the Bhama Askhed Dam. To address this contentious issue, a high-stakes meeting has been scheduled between the Municipal Corporation and the Executive Director of the Irrigation Department.
Pune has long grappled with water-related challenges, including an ongoing demand for a 20 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) water quota that awaits official approval. Moreover, the city’s water consumption has surged with the inclusion of 34 villages within the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction.
Water consumption in Pune spans across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with water rates initially set in 2011 and revised in 2018 by the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority. These rates categorize water consumption into residential and industrial types, resulting in substantial surcharges for non-residential use.
Following the 2022 revision by the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority, the Municipal Corporation introduced a three-tiered categorization of water consumption: residential, commercial, and industrial. Each category now faces specific water restrictions, with rates set at 55 paise per kiloliter for residential usage, Rs 2.75 per kiloliter for commercial use, and Rs. 11 per kiloliter for industrial consumption.
The core of the dispute between the PMC and the Irrigation Department revolves around the application of industrial water consumption rates to commercial water usage, leading to a contentious outstanding bill of Rs 333 crores. This issue stems from Pune’s predominantly residential and commercial character, with limited industrial areas.
Adding another layer to the dispute, the Irrigation Department imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 334 crores on the PMC for alleged sewage discharge into the Mulamutha River. However, the Municipal Corporation contends that it proactively submitted a time-bound program to prevent water pollution, complying with regulations. Consequently, it deems the penalty unjust and has called for its immediate cancellation, initiating a dialogue on this pressing matter.
Anirudh Pavaskar, Head of the Water Supply Department, stressed the urgency of resolving the contentious water bill, emphasizing that discussions during the forthcoming meeting with the Executive Director of the Irrigation Department would be pivotal in reaching a resolution.
