Pune, India – The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been officially directed to formulate a comprehensive 25-year master plan for the city’s water purification and treatment infrastructure. This directive stems from persistent public complaints regarding the supply of turbid water across various parts of Pune and a recent review of the Parvati Water Treatment Plant.
Aging Infrastructure Prompts Long-Term Planning
The urgency for a forward-looking plan was underscored by Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale during a review meeting. Bhimale instructed the civic administration to expedite the preparation of the integrated master plan, emphasizing the need to modernize aging water treatment facilities and ensure a consistent supply of safe drinking water to meet the demands of Pune’s expanding population.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that a recent inspection of the Parvati Water Treatment Plant revealed that its machinery is under considerable stress due to its age, contributing to the issue of muddy and turbid water reaching consumers. This situation has prompted concerns among residents and necessitated immediate attention from the civic body.
Modernization and Expansion of Water Treatment Facilities
The review also highlighted the critical need to augment the water treatment capacity at the Lashkar Water Treatment Plant. A proposal amounting to approximately ₹810 crore has already been submitted to the state government for the establishment of a new facility at Lashkar. The standing committee has directed the PMC administration to accelerate the tendering and execution processes for this proposed project, alongside prioritizing the modernization of existing treatment plants.
The new 25-year master plan is envisioned as a roadmap to strengthen Pune’s water infrastructure, enhance treatment efficiency, and guarantee a sustainable drinking water supply for the city’s growing populace over the coming decades. This strategic approach aims to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and increasing water demand.
Previously, the Pune Municipal Corporation had also outlined plans to construct a new water treatment plant at Vadgaon Budruk under the AMRUT 2.0 program, with an estimated cost of Rs. 188 crore, to cater to the increasing demand for treated water driven by rapid urbanization. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader equitable water supply plan, which divides the old city into five zones based on the capacity of water treatment plants and projected population growth up to 2047.
The current infrastructure, including the Parvati plant which has been operational for over 50 years, faces issues such as leakages and capacity limitations. The development of new facilities and the modernization of existing ones are considered crucial steps towards achieving the city’s goal of a 24/7 water supply across all municipal zones and ensuring the long-term water security of Pune.
The Chenab Times News Desk