Pune Starts 24x7 Water Supply Trial Across 60 Zones

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to begin trial runs of its 24x7 equitable water supply project in around 60 water distribution zones from next month.

The civic body has completed nearly 88% of the civil work, with major infrastructure such as overhead water tanks and new pipelines nearing completion in several areas.

During the testing phase, PMC will record meter readings and generate sample water bills to check whether the billing and distribution systems are working properly. Residents will not be charged for water during the trial period.

The project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, aims to address uneven water distribution in different parts of Pune. Several areas currently face issues due to limited pipeline networks and inadequate overhead storage capacity.

Under the project, the civic body plans to build 83 overhead water storage tanks, lay more than 1,000 km of new distribution pipelines, and install around 2.75 lakh water meters. The city has been divided into 144 water distribution zones for the implementation of the scheme.

Of these, work in nearly 60 zones has reached the final stage, and these areas are expected to be covered in the first phase of trials. The system is designed to improve water pressure, reduce distribution losses, and provide a more balanced supply across the city.

Water meters are a key part of the project, but their installation has faced opposition from some residents and housing societies. PMC officials have held several meetings with citizens and local representatives to explain the project and address concerns over the meters.

The trial phase will allow the civic administration to identify technical issues before the system is introduced on a wider scale. PMC is also working out the detailed procedure for conducting the trials and monitoring the performance of the new distribution network.

The project gained fresh attention after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the PMC last month to speed up the remaining work and complete the scheme at the earliest.

The successful implementation of the 24x7 water supply project will have a significant impact on the lives of Pune residents, providing them with a reliable and equitable water supply. This, in turn, will improve the overall quality of life in the city and contribute to its growth and development.

In the long run, the project is expected to benefit not only the residents of Pune but also the city's economy and environment. A reliable water supply will attract businesses and investments, creating new opportunities for growth and development.

Moreover, the project's focus on reducing distribution losses and improving water pressure will help conserve water and reduce waste, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.

Overall, the 24x7 water supply project is a crucial step towards making Pune a more livable and sustainable city, and its successful implementation will have far-reaching benefits for its residents and the city as a whole.