Pune: PCMC reduces Pavana water intake to 480 MLD under 10 per cent conservation drive

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has implemented a 10 per cent water-supply reduction from Saturday, October 17, while stepping up inspections at construction sites and car-washing centres to prevent the misuse of drinking water.

The decision follows a Maharashtra government directive asking municipal corporations to reduce consumption so that available water stocks can be sustained until August 31, 2027.

Under the revised arrangement, PCMC’s daily water intake from Pavana dam has been reduced from 530 million litres per day (MLD) to 480 MLD. Supply from Andra dam has also been cut from 90 MLD to approximately 80 MLD, reported The Indian Express.

Municipal commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi said the civic body had deployed special inspection squads at ward level to monitor water use and enforce the restrictions.

Housing societies have been instructed to use treated water from sewage-treatment plants and greywater-treatment plants for gardens, lawns and plants instead of potable water. Action will be taken against societies that fail to comply with the requirements.

The civic body will also conduct inspections at construction sites and vehicle-washing centres to check the use of water. Builders and other non-domestic users have been told to make independent arrangements for their water requirements.

PCMC executive engineer Mahesh Baride said the civic body had decided to stop supplying water through half-inch pipelines to labour camps at construction sites in view of the shortage concerns.

The administration has warned that unauthorised drinking-water connections at vehicle service centres will be disconnected and criminal cases may be filed against offenders. New water connections will not be granted to washing centres and other large commercial projects under the restrictions.

Housing societies that fail to keep their sewage-treatment plants operational and continue to misuse drinking water could also face disconnection of their water supply.

PCMC is examining alternative sources to reduce its dependence on the main reservoirs. The civic body has identified 83 wells within its limits, including one publicly owned well and 82 privately owned wells. Their water-yield capacity will be assessed to determine whether they could provide an additional source during the summer months.

Although Pavana dam is currently around 97 per cent full, officials have described the reduction as a precautionary measure. Water from the reservoir is also required for irrigation in Maval taluka, while higher evaporation during the hotter months could reduce availability.

The restrictions are intended to reduce unnecessary consumption and preserve supplies through the next summer.