Journalism of Courage
Reeling under water shortage,the civic body has now decided to implement water cuts in villages around the city that have refused to pay pending water dues.
There was a meeting last month to discuss dues pending with the gram panchayats of neighbouring villages that get water from the civic water supply system. The delay in rains has created a serious situation as the city might get water on alternate days if there is no rain in the next few days, said a civic officer.
The responsibility of the civic body is to meet demands of taxpayers,he said adding,Thus,the civic administration would implement water cuts in the villages that have not paid the dues.
The city itself is facing the prospect of water supply on alternate days.
Ajit Pawar,the Deputy CM,had reviewed water availability,and said if the situation did not improve soon,the city may have to brace for water supply on alternate days. In fact,the administration had planned to implement the water cut from July 7 but postponed it to July 15,the date of the next review by Pawar,who is also the Pune district Guardian Minister,with the hope that by then there will be rainfall in catchment areas of dams that supply water to the city,Khadakwasla,Panshet Temghar and Varasgaon.
The civic administration has decided to initiate action against those misusing water supplied. It has banned its use of for cleaning vehicles or in construction work. Those using the water for gardening would also face civic action as the focus is to meet the drinking water demand.
Taking cognizance of the situation,the PMC standing committee recently approved a proposal tabled by BJP corporator Medha Kulkarni for providing financial assistance to housing societies that implement rainwater harvesting.
The civic administration has also decided to keep a check on water tankers that may take advantage of the situation by charging excess.
