Pune: On Friday, a day after water cuts were initiated by PMC, several locations in the city suffered from supply disruptions. Unavailability of water and low-pressure flow were major concerns, unravelling residents’ worst fears expressed when the austerity measures had been announced against the backdrop of less rainfall in an El Niño year.The once-a-week water cuts began on Thursday. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) introduced them owing to relatively poor rainfall in Aug and Sept in the catchment areas of dams that provide water to the city.When the low trickle of water in taps — or total lack thereof — persisted into Friday, a few society managements took steps like providing limited water to residents from the stored amount.Meanwhile, elected representatives across the city raised concerns over the water shortage and interrupted supply, while the civic administration countered that it had implemented measures like installing booster pumps to deal with such issues.NIBM Road resident SN Balakrishnan confirmed that after Thursday’s water cuts, regular water supply did not resume as expected on Friday. “The water was released at low pressure for hardly 45 minutes, affecting the society’s water distribution. We had to curtail water consumption. We had only planned for a one-day water cut, but it continues on the second day, and we are not sure about further supply. The PMC water department must update these details either through SMS or WhatsApp groups,” he said.Chandroba Sonar, a resident of Lohegaon, said, “We have to start our day early and work goes on till late. The unavailability of water in the early hours of the day makes things tough and the whole timetable gets affected.”Sopan Chavan, a resident of Khadakwasla, added that the civic administration will now also have to make sure that it deals with the needs of a floating population. “Many people from drought-prone areas will come to Pune. The student population is also large here. Their water needs are going to increase and PMC should keep this in mind while planning water supply in coming months,” he said.According to civic officials, areas located at the tail end of pipelines face the brunt of the cascading effect. “Equipment has been fitted in such spots so that water flow is boosted,” a civic official claimed to TOI, choosing anonymity.But residents demurred. Prabhat Road inhabitant Vijay Godbole said their area also did not get water on Friday morning and the situation had not improved till late evening. “This is not a one-day, but a two-day water cut. On the first day, we don’t get water officially; on the second day, it is imposed due to systemic failures of PMC. These failures need to be addressed,” he said.Relief does not seem to be in sight either. Pune mayor Manjusha Nagpure admitted that the cascading effect of water cuts will be seen for the next couple of days. “Citizens suffer for multiple days due to this problem. The civic administration must make sure that people get adequate water on the day after the cut,” she said.On the other hand, PMC water supply department head Nandkishor Jagtap said, “The civic administration has addressed the complaints of the citizens. Steps have been taken to deal with locations experiencing chronic water disruptions.”Prashant Jagtap, a corporator from Wanowrie, said that long-term planning is a must and that PMC should sensitise people about the cuts. “We will have to manage with this water supply till the next monsoon now. Cuts may have to be increased. PMC should create awareness about it,” he said.District collector Jitendra Dudi has already instructed civic bodies of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad on Thursday to formulate strategic plans for a 20% water reduction, ensuring existing reserves endure till Aug 31, 2027.Meanwhile, highlighting dwindling reservoir storage, irrigation authorities advocated for stricter curtailments, proposing a 25% supply cut alongside alternate-day water distribution across Pune.According to irrigation officials, the four dams within the Khadakwasla cluster currently retain approximately 20 TMC of usable water, after factoring in dead storage reserves, evaporation losses and contingency buffers. Meanwhile, Pavana dam stands at 96.9% of its total capacity (8.25 TMC), and Andra dam holds 95.54% (2.79 TMC).PMC corporators to give one year’s salary for drought reliefElected members across party lines on Friday decided to give funds for drought mitigation in Pune and other areas.Corporator Dheeraj Ghate, also city unit chief of BJP, tabled a proposal regarding giving financial aid to drought-prone areas. Now, elected members will give one year’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. “The drought situation is very worrisome. Elected representatives wish to give aid to help the needy,” he said.Nilesh Nikam, leader of opposition in PMC, further said that elected members should also consider giving a share of their budget for the drought. “Funds other than those required for emergency works can be diverted for drought relief. It will help in giving a sizeable amount for the needs of drought-affected people,” he said.A group of elected members objected to the aid of one year’s salary. They said that BJP leaders had not taken leaders of other parties into confidence.
