After going through a difficult time meeting the drinking water demands of the city, Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to rejuvenate existing water bodies in its jurisdiction along with finding new sources of fresh water.

“This year, the delay in monsoon had led to increased concerns about meeting the water demand of the city. The civic administration was forced to introduce a 30 per cent water cut for the city to an extent that it was made available on alternate day as against twice a day,” said M S Devanikar, Additional Municipal Commissioner.

Though the water storage in Khadakwasla, Varasgaon and Panshet dams has gone up after heavy rainfall in the latter part of the monsoon, he said the civic body was not taking any chances for the coming year.

The civic administration will hold a meeting with officers of the irrigation department to decide the future course of action on availability of water in dams.

“We have already chalked out a plan and all the focus is on rejuvenating existing sources that have potable water. The repair and maintenance of old wells will be carried out and use of water from other sources will go on along with supply water from PMC,” said Pramod Nirbhavane, Deputy Municipal Commissioner.

At present, at least 10 per cent of the total consumption of water by the entire city is met by ground water. This can be increased further if existing natural water resources are maintained properly, he said.

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