Stop the exploitation of housing societies by tanker operators: MP Shrirang Barne

Pimpri-Chinchwad: Water is supplied to Pimpri-Chinchwad city on a large scale via tankers. An inquiry must be conducted to determine where tanker operators source this water and whether it is potable. Housing societies are being financially burdened by exorbitant charges; this exploitation must stop. Restrictions should be imposed on tanker operators, and a record of their operations must be maintained. Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne has instructed the municipal administration to take action against tanker operators who fail to supply clean water. He also advised exercising fiscal prudence regarding other development projects while prioritizing and immediately completing water supply-related works. MP Barne stated that he would discuss these matters with the Municipal Commissioner and the Mayor.

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Water cuts have been in effect in the city for the past four days. Following a rise in complaints regarding disrupted water supply, MP Barne held a meeting with municipal officials on Monday. Attendees included Additional Commissioner Vikrant Bagade, Shiv Sena Group Leader Vishwajeet Barne, Corporators Sulabha Ubale and Aishwarya Taras, Corporators Nilesh Taras and Rajendra Taras, Joint City Engineer (Water Supply) Ajay Suryavanshi, Executive Engineers Mahesh Baride, Vijaysinh Bhosale, and Sunil Ahire, and Junior Engineer Anish Oak. Meanwhile, MP Shrirang Barne noted that the removal of one lakh cubic meters of silt from the Pavana Dam over the past eight years has created additional water storage sufficient for one and a half months—an increase of 1 TMC in water capacity. Consequently, the city did not experience an acute water shortage during the summer. MP Barne facilitated this silt removal through public participation without seeking government assistance; otherwise, the city would have faced a severe water crisis. MP Barne stated that complaints regarding low-pressure and unclean water supply have increased. Water distribution is uneven; supply is excessive in some areas, scarce in others, and completely absent in some places. Measures such as installing the SCADA system, replacing meters and pipelines, and constructing numerous water tanks were undertaken to ensure equitable distribution. However, 30% of the water is lost to leakage, and unauthorized tap connections continue to be made—issues the administration has failed to curb. The water crisis persists due to a lack of proper planning; the administration has woken up too late. Planning for prudent water usage should have been done earlier. Comprehensive planning for water conservation should be implemented year-round, and preparations for ensuring a clean water supply must begin immediately. The riverbed area from where the Municipal Corporation draws untreated water is extremely filthy; this area needs to be cleaned. The government should be pursued to secure an additional 7 TMC of water from the Mulshi Dam.

Monitor whether STPs are operational

Out of 494 housing societies in the city, STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) are operational in 369, while they are non-functional in 125. Monitoring is required to ensure these STPs remain operational. Citizens should be encouraged to use treated water from STPs for activities like vehicle washing and garden maintenance. MP Barne suggested that since it is not feasible for older societies to install STPs, the Municipal Corporation should attempt to set up smaller STPs in those areas.

Closed-conduit pipeline removed for housing project

The pipeline for the Pavana closed-conduit water supply scheme—laid at a cost of crores of rupees—was removed by two housing societies in Kiwale (Kaivalya Society and Centiyoga) in collusion with the Building Permission Department. This is a very serious matter, resulting in a loss of crores of rupees to the Municipal Corporation. MP Barne has instructed that the individuals involved be identified and strict action be taken against them.