Pune, India – Residents of Vimannagar in Pune are grappling with water supply issues, leading to increased reliance on water tankers. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) attributes the problem to a temporary leakage in a tank, a claim met with skepticism by residents who assert that water woes have persisted for months and years.
Ravi Iyer, a Vimannagar resident, expressed concern over the dependency on private water tankers, especially during the current season. He stated, “Our society has been relying on tankers for years, and now, with the onset of summer, the need for tankers has escalated due to low pressure in our supply lines. We have evidence of the inadequate water pressure.”
Representatives from the Lunkad Goldcoast society reported a consistent need for seven water tankers daily over the last three months, incurring a monthly expenditure of Rs1.8 lakh for utility water supply. The cost has, at times, surged to Rs2.2 lakh, highlighting the escalating water supply issues in the area.
Binod Pillai, another resident, disclosed the increasing daily expenses on tankers for both drinking and utility purposes. He said, “The water pressure has consistently reduced over the last few weeks, and expenses on buying water are mounting. Currently, we call three to four tankers daily, compared to just one a day last year.”
Responding to the concerns, Ramesh Waghmare, executive engineer of PMC water supply department, acknowledged a leakage issue in one of the tanks affecting the area for the past two weeks. He assured that repairs have been completed, resolving the problem. Waghmare emphasized that such repair works occur in various parts of the city due to issues like cracks or bursts caused by varying degrees of water pressure in the pipes.
Worried Vimannagar residents remain skeptical of the PMC’s assurances, questioning the recurring water supply problems. With the summer months approaching, the reliance on tankers raises concerns about the adequacy of the temporary fix provided by the municipal corporation.
