Group water lines for Red Zone

Water supply to the Red Zone area for about 15,000 residents had been cut off by the corporation since 1991 after the military authorities took objection to the provision of civic amenities in the area which has been declared as a no development zone. Water supply is being made by tankers which make nearly 45 trips per day.

The residential zone in the radius of 760 meters around the depot will continue to get water supply by tankers as no civic facilities can be provided in this area. However, the residents in the area between the radius of 760 meters and 1145 meters will be provided group water connections. The group water connection scheme was announced in this year’s budget. A group of ten persons or families can use the connection after paying the required fee. About 50 group connections would be required in the Red Zone area, the authorities maintained.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of new villages in the PCMC limits has forced the corporation to increase water supply by tankers. A total of 74 trips are made by tankers everyday, mainly to the areas of Wakad, Bopkhel, Wadmukhwadi, Charholi, Dhavadevasti, CME society, Navi Sangvi, and Dighi.

According to an information provided by the administration in reply to the queries made by corporators Raju Golande and Amrut Parhad, the corporation incurred an expenditure of Rs 95.67 lakh last year on water supply by tankers. The corporation has appointed six contractors in addition to its fleet of 13 tankers.

Water supply by tankers cannot be discontinued completely until the independent water supply scheme for villages has been completed, the authorities said. The civic works committee, early this month, has approved the scheme which is expected to incur a cost of Rs 69 crore. The corporation has initiated the process of acquisition of land of two hectares at survey number 96 near Ravet for the water filtration plant.