Pune: The preliminary work of the drinking water supply project in all merged areas in the Pune civic limits is likely to start by August.Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Wednesday said the work had started in some areas like Wagholi and Sus-Bavdhan. The work is expected to begin by August in the remaining areas, he said. The detailed project reports (DPRs) of water supply projects for these areas should be ready soon, he said.A total of 23 areas are waiting for the equitable supply of water despite being part of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for the past four years. Residents have been demanding daily water supply through taps to reduce dependence on tankers.Ram said the administration had prepared a plan to supply purified water to 12 areas where Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases were reported. This Rs856-crore plan includes setting up of water purification plants.The PMC is eyeing funds of Rs2,000 crore to boost water supply and strengthen sewage systems in merged areas, besides executing flood mitigation measures in old city limits. The PMC has identified around 360 spots to implement the measures. There is a plan to spend Rs400 crore for the works. All the major works pertaining to water supply and sewage are expected to be executed in the next two years.5 tunnel proposalsPune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the proposals of five tunnels connecting the city’s different areas were being studied.The tunnels have been proposed from Yerawada to Khadi Machine chowk, Shinhagad road to Aundh, Khadki to Shastrinagar (ahead of Yerawada), Seven Loves Chowk to Sinhagad road and Hinjewadi to Pashan. Preliminary cost estimation for these tunnels is pegged at Rs34,000 crore. A special purpose vehicle would be constituted to take up further studies, the PMC officials said.
