Pune: Citizens and opposition members in PMC have demanded that the civic administration improve water distribution instead of imposing additional restrictions beyond the existing once-a-week Thursday supply cut. The demand comes as the administration considers further curbs amid declining dam stocks.City-based Sajag Nagrik Manch has written to PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and mayor Manjusha Nagpure to reconsider any further water cuts, saying that residents were “already coping with a roughly 13% reduction in supply” and low water pressure in several areas.According to the group, existing curbs are sufficient to manage the city’s water needs till Aug 2027, even after accounting for water requirements in the rural areas. It argued that improving distribution efficiency would be a more effective solution than imposing fresh restrictions on residents.Residents reported what they described as “indirect water cuts”, alleging that the administration quietly lowered water pressure to conserve water. Pramod Jadhav of Satara Road said the drop in pressure was a clear indication that the administration had already begun saving additional water. “Many parts of the city are likely facing the same problem. Formalising further cuts will only increase hardship for citizens,” he said, adding that PMC’s earlier attempt to implement alternate-day water supply in June had failed.Sajag Nagrik Manch representative Vivek Velankar demanded that PMC release a white paper on the implementation of its equitable water supply project, which was launched to ensure uniform water distribution and reduce losses in the network. “PMC must explain what measures have been taken to plug leakages and save water. Distribution losses are estimated to be more than 32%,” he said.Politicians from Congress, NCP (SP) and NCP echoed similar concerns, saying better management of the existing water supply could address complaints of scarcity. “PMC is not serious about checking the use of drinking water for non-essential purposes. Monitoring should be intensified instead of placing the burden on citizens through additional cuts,” a senior Congress corporator said.NCP member Nilesh Nikam said any decision on further curbs should be taken only after consulting all stakeholders. He also called on the administration to publicly clarify the city’s water requirement till the next monsoon.The PMC commissioner and the mayor are expected to meet on Wednesday to review the situation. Officials from the water supply department said multiple options, including additional cuts, were on the table.Bhama Askhed release brings hope for Wagholi residentsResidents of Wagholi may see some improvement in water supply after Bhama Askhed dam began releasing water at the rate of 100 cusec. The release is expected to recharge the water supply scheme serving the rapidly growing suburb. PMC is also deploying water tankers in parts of Wagholi, though residents maintained that the measures remained inadequate to meet demand.
