Pune: The civic body’s appeal seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as only four people from the merged areas have come forward to hand over their land parcels for crucial water supply projects to be undertaken by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).The water supply scheme is to be implemented across 32 merged areas, including Nanded, Kirkatwadi, Nandoshi, Narhe, Sanasnagar, Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Jambhulwadi, Kolewadi, Mangdewadi, Gujar-Nimbalkarwadi and Bhilarewadi. Under this scheme, 37 water tanks are planned at various locations.PMC officials said the project covers several localities that were affected by the GBS outbreak. Under the plan, PMC will directly buy the required plots from the owners, which will help in providing higher compensation to them. A detailed project report (DPR) worth over Rs800 crore has been prepared for this initiative. Financial aid from the state as well as Union govt will be sought. “These projects are important as the local residents of these areas suffer from water scarcity. The areas were merged into civic limits and were promised a proper water supply. However, years have passed with no progress in improving the water supply infrastructure,” said Shrirang Chavan, a resident of the merged areas.“The administration should create more awareness about the benefits provided by it to landowners. This will encourage people to come forward and offer their land. The administration should also ensure good compensation for these landowners,” said Sopan Chavan, a former elected representative of PMC from the Khadakwasla area.“Issues such as an incomplete development plan and negotiations regarding rates for land acquisition are creating hurdles in speeding up the process,” said a senior official of PMC.
