As the Lok Sabha elections loom on the horizon, Pune district guardian minister Ajit Pawar has stepped in to assure residents of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad that there will be no water cuts this summer. The announcement follows complaints from citizens about low-pressure water supply in certain areas, prompting a discussion in a recent canal committee meeting.
During the meeting, Pawar directed the administration to ensure the continuous supply of water and explicitly stated that no water cuts would be imposed on Pune city. He cited the sufficient storage capacity in the Pavana and Bhama Askhed dams as the primary reason for averting water cuts in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
In a proactive move, Pawar instructed the irrigation department to initiate the release of water for agricultural purposes starting March 4. The meeting, attended by officials such as Baramati Member of Parliament Supriya Sule and Karjat-Jamkhed legislator Rohit Pawar, aimed to formulate water management strategies for the upcoming summer season.
While addressing the water resource department, district, and city administration, Pawar emphasized the importance of preserving potable water until July 15. He urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to prioritize water conservation efforts and the efficient treatment of sewage water for alternative purposes.
Despite considerations by the PMC water department for potential water cuts, the looming Lok Sabha polls, set to take place in less than three months, influenced legislators present at the meeting to collectively advocate against water cuts in their respective areas.
Pawar also shed light on ongoing projects, including the planned underground tunnel between Khadakwasla and Phursungi, which, once completed, is expected to contribute additional drinking water for residents. He emphasized the need for the water resource department to promptly address leakages to ensure optimal water supply.
Following the meeting, Supriya Sule voiced concerns about water scarcity in Baramati and Purandar tehsils, urging the government to take action and provide fodder for cattle. Rohit Pawar stressed the necessity for uninterrupted water supply in his constituency, a demand that received the guardian minister’s approval.
