Initiative Launched to Investigate Water Scarcity Concerns Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections
Responding to the outcry from residents of Khairewadi slum in Shivajinagar, who recently displayed banners reading ‘no water, no vote’, the Pune district collector has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to investigate the issue. With Lok Sabha elections underway, the water scarcity issue in Khairewadi has garnered significant attention.
Khairewadi, home to 476 authorized slum dwellers across 16,349 square meters, has been grappling with inadequate water supply due to technical challenges in completing the water pipeline from an overhead tank near Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). This has led to discontent among residents, prompting concerns about its impact on voter turnout, given the area’s over 2,000 eligible voters.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stressed the importance of boosting voter participation, prompting swift action from the district collector to address the water crisis. Currently, the PMC is dispatching three to four tankers daily and redirecting water from the SNDT overhead tank to alleviate the shortage. However, residents continue to face challenges due to low water pressure.
Efforts are underway to augment the water supply from the SPPU overhead tank, offering hope for a resolution in the near future. PMC officials emphasize the need to remove the banners once the issue is resolved, signaling community satisfaction with the measures taken. A comprehensive report will be submitted to the district collector to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing the water crisis.
By prioritizing the resolution of water supply challenges in Khairewadi ahead of elections, authorities aim to uphold democratic principles and ensure the equitable participation of all citizens in the electoral process.
