Pune Municipal Corporation Seeks Extension For 24x7 Water Supply Scheme

The Water Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has formally requested a six-month extension to complete the ambitious 24x7 regular and equal water supply scheme. The proposal for the extension is currently in the process of administrative review and awaits approval from the municipal commissioner.

PMC had embarked on an ambitious plan with the primary objective of reducing 40 per cent of leakages in the municipal water distribution system, ultimately aiming to achieve a balanced and consistent water supply. 

This forward-looking plan is designed to accommodate the city's needs for the next 30 years, projecting a population of 49,21,663, and comes with an estimated cost of Rs 2,818.46 crore.

The scheme initially received approval during the primary PMC meeting in May 2015, with the actual groundwork commencing in 2018 following the appointment of a consultant and thorough project planning.

Nandkishor Jagtap, the head of the Water Supply Department at PMC, provided insights into the project's timeline, stating, "The physical work of the scheme was initiated in 2018. In adherence to the agreed-upon terms and conditions, we had set a five-year deadline to complete the scheme by April 2023. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, work was temporarily halted. Consequently, we granted an extension to contractors until November 2023."

The request for a six-month extension underscores the unforeseen challenges posed by the pandemic, impacting the original timeline set for the completion of the significant water supply project. 

Once approved, the extension will provide the necessary flexibility to ensure the successful implementation of the 24x7 water supply scheme, addressing critical issues like leakages and promoting an equitable water distribution system within Pune.