In response to the growing demand for water and the looming threat of water scarcity, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced a series of urgent measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water to citizens until the onset of the monsoon. Current water reserves in the dam are expected to last only until July. Groundwater levels have dropped significantly, many borewells have dried up, and water tanker prices are soaring. Compounding the issue are inactive sewage treatment plants (STPs), rising unauthorised water connections, and misuse of drinking water for vehicle washing.
To address these challenges, PCMC has laid out immediate steps to curb misuse, improve efficiency, and prioritise essential use of drinking water.
The population of Pimpri-Chinchwad has doubled from 17 lakh in 2011 to 35 lakh today, while the increase in water supply has been only 35%. Despite this, PCMC has been consistently providing water throughout the year. However, due to unauthorised usage and high summer demand, the supply is strained.
The following measures are now being enforced:
- Strict ban on direct pumping of water from main supply lines; violators will face penalties
- Crackdown on unauthorised water connections.
- Inspection and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems.
- Suspension of new water connections for the next two months.
- The possibility of cutting off water supply to commercial establishments without functioning STPs
- Ban on use of potable water for washing vehicles and streets.
What should citizens do?
- Ensure sewage treatment systems in buildings are operational
- Use treated greywater from STPs for garden irrigation through drip systems
- Inspect and maintain rainwater harvesting systems annually
- Regularly check for leakages in water tanks
- Install greywater treatment plants in older societies lacking STPs
- Install aerators on taps in hotels, malls and schools – this saves up to 50% of water
- Conduct a water audit within housing societies
- Report unauthorised connections or water misuse to PCMC
- Check tanker water quality before purchase
What should citizens avoid?
- Do not waste drinking water
- Do not keep STPs non-functional
- Do not take unauthorised water connections
- Do not draw water directly from main pipelines using electric pumps
- Do not use drinking water for car or street washing.
Water Supply Department inspections underway:
- Action will be taken against anyone drawing water from supply lines via pumps
- Repeat offenders may face disconnection of water supply
- Construction sites and car washing centres are being inspected
- Societies and malls not using recycled water from STPs will face penalties
- Misuse of potable water for washing vehicles and roads will attract fines
"Considering the city’s growing population, PCMC remains committed to supplying safe drinking water to all residents. Citizens must avoid water wastage, especially during the summer, and cooperate with the administration," said Pradip Jambhale Patil, Additional Commissioner, PCMC.
"Until the monsoon arrives, citizens must use water judiciously. Strict action will be taken against those wasting water or using it through unauthorised means," added Ajay Suryawanshi, Joint City Engineer, PCMC.
