New water supply schedule tomorrow

PUNE: As rainfall continues to evade city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is gearing up to tackle the imminent water crisis.
The irrigation department has announced a 30 per cent water cut for Pune beginning Wednesday. A 20 per cent cut has been in force in the city since June 21, which will be increased by 10 per cent.
"We will hold a joint meeting with guardian minister Ajit Pawar and irrigation officials on Thursday after which the new schedule for water supply will be announced," said additional municipal commissioner Umakant Dangat on Tuesday.
Following the announcement of 20 per cent water cut, the PMC had prepared a water-cut schedule. As per the schedule, some areas get water either in the morning or in the evening, while some areas get it on alternate days. After Thursday, it is likely that all areas in the city will receive water on alternate days.
Dangat said the PMC is conducting a survey of borewells and wells in the city. "We are taking a stock of situation and how much quantity of water is available from these sources during crisis. On the backdrop of the water scarcity in the beginning of monsoon, the PMC will also expedite the Bhama Askhed pipeline project," said Dangat. He added that though water was available in Mulshi and Pavana dam s there was no network to bring that water to the city in times of crisis. "We are waiting for the Thursday meeting where we could get some suggestions in this regard," said Dangat.
He stressed the need for a long-term plan for city's water needs considering the growing population.