Mohammadwadi and Undri, two areas in Pune, have been grappling with an acute water shortage issue, despite the completion of three newly built water tanks in front of the Royal Heritage Mall on NIBM Road. The tanks, which were constructed over a span of three years, have unfortunately remained devoid of water, causing disappointment and frustration among the residents.
The substantial investment of crores of rupees in the construction of these tanks has unfortunately gone to waste, as they are now filled with garbage, discarded liquor bottles, and cigarette butts. Moreover, the absence of security measures, such as an open gate, has invited unwanted individuals and raised concerns about public safety in the vicinity.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had planned to build a total of 82 drinking water tanks under the 24 by 7 scheme across the city. Although the construction of three tanks in Undri has been completed, the water supply has not been initiated yet. Consequently, residents in the area continue to face low water pressure, with some resorting to purchasing water from tankers. The societies in Raiza Chowk have been particularly affected by this issue. Pramod alias Nana Bhangire, speaking on behalf of the residents, has urged the authorities to expedite the necessary work on the tanks to alleviate their water woes.
The three tanks, with capacities of three MLD, two and a half MLD, and one and a half MLD respectively, were intended to provide water to the people of Mohammadwadi and Undri. However, complications have arisen with the water channel from Mohammadwadi pass, which is under the management of the Forest Department. The transfer of land from the department to the Municipal Corporation has not taken place yet, causing delays in the final stages of the project. Furthermore, a dispute between the trustees of the Bhairavanath Trust has halted work on the water channel at the Mohammadwadi Gaaothan site. Municipal officials are actively working towards resolving these matters, but the lack of available land poses an additional obstacle to progress.
This situation in Mohammadwadi and Undri reflects a larger problem faced by numerous areas in Pune, where inadequate water supply has become a pressing issue. With the monsoon season approaching, urgent action is required to complete the pending work and alleviate the inconvenience caused to the citizens. MLA Chetan Tupe emphasized the necessity for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to promptly and efficiently address these issues.
Undri, which came under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation twenty-five years ago, has witnessed significant growth in the past decade, with the emergence of numerous societies in the area. However, the local municipality has failed to provide essential facilities to the residents. Although the tanks have been physically constructed, the delayed laying of the aqueduct, influenced by political apathy, the tanker lobby, and administrative inefficiency, has resulted in the current predicament, as highlighted by Ashish Jagtap.
Despite the completion of the water tanks three years ago, citizens of Mohammadwadi and Undri continue to face the burden of purchasing water from vendors and relying on tankers. Danish Khan expressed the frustration of the residents, who are financially strained by this additional monthly expenditure.
Anirudh Pavaskar, the Superintending Engineer and Head of the Water Supply Department at Pune Municipal Corporation, has assured that the ongoing water pipeline work at Santoshnagar is expected to be completed by the end of December. He reaffirmed that these tanks will be utilized for the provision of drinking water, offering hope to the residents of Mohammadwadi and Undri who have been enduring the water shortage woes for far too long.
