Parties enter ring to oppose water cut
Indian Express: The water cut continuing for several months now — it was increased from 20 to 40 per cent and there are reports that it may be further hiked — has made several recently elected MLAs as well as MPs to jump into the ring in support of citizens.
Several corporators of various parties are already resisting the water cut announced by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The city has been witnessing water shortage since June after water in Khadakwasla, Varasgaon and Panshet Dams did not reach the desired levels following a delayed monsoon. The situation forced the civic administration to announce a 20 per cent water cut which was later increased to 40 per cent. The total water storage in dams went down to 1.14 TMC in May, but it later increased to 86 per cent of the 27 TMC storage capacity.
The storage in Khadakwasla, Varasgaon and Panshet is 60.86, 88.91 and 86.50 per cent respectively. “There is a shortfall of at least 14 per cent in the three dams that meet the drinking water demand of the city. Proper planning in distribution and usage is required to ensure that availability is ensured for the entire year. The NCP, led by party MP Supriya Sule, will hold discussions on the issue with Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade,” said NCP corporator Vikas Dangat.
The BJP led by city unit chief Girish Bapat and newly elected MLA Madhuri Misal on Saturday took up the issue with the municipal commissioner. “Priority should be given to domestic consumers and only then should water be given for agriculture and industries. While the city is experiencing a water cut, the same is unheard of in Baramati,” said BJP leader Vikas Matkari and alleged that the water demand of Baramati and Madha was being met as they were VIP constituencies.
“The NCP’s concern over the matter is a drama as it has control over the Irrigation department and is in power in the civic body,” he alleged and suggested that NCP MP Sule, Mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale or party leader Anil Bhosale take up the issue with the state government and the Irrigation department.
The civic administration is taking advantage of the situation by announcing water cuts to compensate for its failure to check leakage and loss of water from its distribution system, he added.
The MNS has decided to take to the streets. “We have already taken up the issue with the Irrigation department and registered our protest. The water situation is being exaggerated to justify the water cut. This will not be tolerated,” said MNS leader Ravindra Dhangekar.
Alleging that the water is being diverted to other parts, he said, “The MNS is not against water being supplied to rural areas of Baramati taluka, but not at the cost of water meant for cities.” He added that his party will hit the streets if the civic administration does not withdraw the water cut.
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