The city is growing. We have 3 lakh sq feet construction of growth and that accordingly only increases the demand. We already using 14.4 TMC of water and the allotted water to the city by the irrigation department is 11.50 TMC.

Will the situation continue in future?

The situation should improve in two years. We have planned recycling of sewage water of about 500 MLD which can be used for irrigation. This would in turn lessen the pressure on irrigation department for supply of water. To check leakages,we are laying closed pipelines from Khadakwasla,Parvati and Cantonment water works. This too will help improve the situation.

Will the 24X7 water supply scheme help?

The civic standing committee in November 2011 approved the administration’s proposal of 24×7 water supply scheme. The proposal is now with the general body for final approval. The standing committee has approved an Italian consultant firm,Studio Galli Ingegneria (SGI),to implement the scheme. The firm will do network analysis,take corrective measures like detecting leaks,carry out system rehabilitation and a water audit,see the flow measurement,ensure systems’ reengineering and suggest cost-effective measures to meet the city’s water demand for the next 30 years.

Was consumption not subsidised ahead of summer season?

We were asked by the irrigation department to use water sparingly and accordingly instructions were given by the PMC. The meeting took place in November and the directive of shortage of water in the summers came in December. However,water supply was cut by about 50 per cent only recently after instructions from the irrigation department.