PMC launches portal to update city about water supply project

To educate citizens about its mega water supply system project, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a dedicated website, www.h2opune.com, that will present the latest information about the project.

The PMC has undertaken a major project to get the water supply system on track by installing meters, removing leakages and auditing the supply. "The PMC has taken up a mega project to address the water supply issue. But as there was confusion among citizens over its implementation, the civic body decided to present the facts through its website," said city engineer Prashant Waghmare.

The civic body would upgrade the information on the portal to present the factual situation, he said. "All activities related to improving the water supply system would be put on the portal for the convenience and participation of citizens."

All the details regarding aim of the project from establishing equitable distribution of water, identifying and minimising water losses, promoting sustainable development, providing a fair way to allocate costs have been listed on the website.

"We have urged citizens to report water supply leakages through email so that it can help in minimising leakages," Waghmare said, adding that reasons for installing the water meter have been explained on the website so that there is no opposition from citizens.

Similarly, the need for auditing of water supply is also explained so that it would help in estimating the monetary loss due to leakages in the system. Admitting that the city has been facing water shortage during summer season since 2009, the PMC claims that if only an equitable water distribution system with acceptable level of losses were present, that amount of water would be more than enough to satisfy the current needs of 3.6 million citizens.

The PMC has divided the city into different District Metered Areas (DMA). "The data collection and analysis of three DMAs is complete and installation of water meters would begin in two months. Two more DMAs will be added by next month. We would keep a track of the pilot project in the five DMAs and on the basis of this, the system will be executed in the city in phases," he said. The PMC would also start telescopic tariff for water consumption so that those using less water would not have to shell out more amount, Waghmare said, adding that the PMC has simultaneously started awareness campaign on steps for conservation of water.

ALSO READ

Real estate agent from Pune financed fake currency racket busted in Chandrapur: Cops

Barring election work, teachers exempted from all duties outside school

Fiance who rescued kidnapped girl from Dhule brothel arrested

Charas, brown sugar use high in IT, corporate sector: ANC