1 week Ago By Prasad Kulkarni
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has now told all housing societies to audit their water supply systems for leaks. The directive is part of efforts to reduce wastage as the city experiences a particularly harsh summer, officials said. "The civic body is writing to all housing societies," said Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the water supply department.
"All leaks in taps, pipelines and water tanks should be fixed immediately by residents," he added. Officials said punitive action may be taken if the societies are found using unclean or overflowing storage tanks, broken taps and rusted pipes — all responsible for massive wastage. Those relying on illegal water connections have also been urged to regularize the supply.
"But the response to this appeal has been poor," said one civic official, adding that only "a handful of property owners" have come forward to pay penalties and regularize their connections. "The administration is now exploring options such as fines and snapping of connections," the senior official said. Members of housing societies TOI spoke to said they're working to save water and create awareness on wastage.
"Through our notice boards all residents have been told to save as much as they can. Messages are also being put out on social media groups to ensure judicious use," said AV Kulkarni, secretary of a housing society in Kothrud. There are nearly 30,000 housing societies within PMC limits.
Nearly 14.5 lakh properties are also registered with the civic body for property tax collection. Suhas Patwardhan, chairperson of the Pune District Cooperative Housing Federation, said the organization has conducted awareness programmes around water conservation .
"The message of saving water has been highlighted. Details of success stories and best practices were also shared with participants. The response has been good," Patwardhan said.
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