Well done Punekars! You saved 39 bn litres of water in a year

Considering the enduring water crisis in the state, residents of the city can give themselves a collective pat on the back for doing their bit. Data from the Pune Municipal Corporation reveals that locals saved 1.38 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) - about 39 billion litres - of water in 2012, compared to the previous year. In the process the civic body's power bill too was trimmed by Rs 3 crore.

Half full, or half empty? PMC says that despite sufficient rains last year, the water cut announced by the irrigation department continued. File pic

But despite this laudable feat, as MiD DAY had reported on Wednesday (‘Irrigation dept proposes additional 10% water cut, water department refuses'), the irrigation department has been insisting that the corporation instate a 20 per cent water cut, instead of the existing 10 per cent.

For pumping and distribution of water, PMC requires a lot of electricity. By saving water Punekars have added to the civic body's revenue. According to records available, between January 2011 and December 2011, locals expended 15.75 TMC of water. In the same period last year Punekars used 14.37 TMC water, 1.38 TMC less.

Owing to scarcity a 10% water cut is in effect at various dams in the city since March 2012. The irrigation department recently sent a letter to PMC's water distribution wing stating that due to increasing temperatures, a lot of the dam water is getting evaporated.

Representation pic

Additionally, there are many leakages in the canals connecting the dams and water purification centres. Therefore, PMC should implement an additional 10 per cent water cut.

However, the civic body has refused to oblige. "Despite of sufficient rains, the water cut announced by the irrigation department continued. Last year, the dams were filled to the brim and the reduction was not required. Even now, there is enough water in the dams to easily last till July," said a senior PMC official on condition of anonymity.

Civic officials told MiD DAY that while the irrigation department is persisting, the corporation is firm on its decision. "Currently, PMC is supplying water once a day. With the existing water cut, the city needs 1,125 MLD (million litres per day). After implementing a 20 per cent cut, many water connections will not get enough supply. This will result in lower water pressure at various parts of the city," PMC officials added.

1,125 MLD
Water requirement of the city with the 10% cut in effect

Rs 3 cr
The amount PMC has saved in electricity expensesu00a0because of people consuming less wateru00a0