Cong MLC asks govt if it will stop new constructions amid water shortage in city

Patil said, ”In 2014 when water lifting from dams was reserved for Pune city, it was done based on the estimated population of 2031. 14 TMC water was reserved for Pune but the requirement is 22 TMC. The usage of water is more than the water reserved for Pune city.”

The Congress MLC said, “Population of Pune is around 70 lakh. There is another floating population of 5-7 lakh. By 2027, the population of Pune city might jump to one crore. But construction activity is going on indiscriminately. The PMC cannot provide drinking to such rapidly growing population.”

Patil asked the government to hold a meeting at Chief Minister’s level as the situation has gone out of hand. ”Unless a meeting is held at the highest level and a strong decision is made, this problem will stay unresolved leading to an unseemly situation in Pune,” he said.

Replying to Patil’s arguments, Minister Radhakrishna Patil said, ”There can be a lot of debate. The current 14-15 TMC usage of water is enough. There is no need for more water.”

The Minister said it is true that the tanker mafia is running riot in all cities. ”I agree with what the member said regarding the spread of the tanker of mafia in our cities,” he said.

Stating that Pune will not face water shortage, the Minister said the PMC which has demanded additional water has not provided any substantial reason. ”We will consider the demand raised by the members but some facts have to come forward. The government’s stand is positive…We will provide the matter. After the end of the legislature session, we will hold a meeting at the Chief Minister’s level to resolve the issue. The government wants to assure that Pune will not face water shortage.”