The GSDA has been asked to identify five bore wells each in 144 wards. “In four days, we have completed almost 30 per cent of the work. We expect to survey the entire city in the next few days,” Kharage said.

Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade, meanwhile, said the new sites identified by the GSDA will be the last option. “We have to be judicious in using groundwater. At present, we are preparing the groundwork required for the bore wells already identified.”

He said the city still has its reservoir water to fall back on. “We are also testing the potability of the high-yielding dug wells and bore wells identified by the GSDA.”

Kharade said this was an ideal time for housing societies to implement rainwater harvesting. “This should be undertaken simultaneously so that the scenario is not repeated every year.”

“They should engage the agency concerned and collect rainwater and divert it to the bore well, or they can dig a recharge pit and recharge the groundwater. Soceities can also build storage tanks for future use.”

Kharage said the societies can avail themselves of a discount in the PMC’s property tax if they implemented this measure, along with solid waste management and solar panel construction.

RANJANI RAGHAVAN