Civic body projects a requirement of 14 TMC till July 31, but state irrigation department officials willing to allot only 9.6 TMC to meet city's requirement
The irrigation department’s plan to allot only 9.6 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) for the city has not gone down well with the civic body, which had projected a requirement of 14 TMC till July 31 next year.
The irrigation advisory committee made the proposal during a meet with the civic officials yesterday, which was also attended by the Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar and BJP MLA Girish Bapat.
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Representation Pic
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), however, contends that since there is sufficient water stock in the dams, their request should have been adhered to. Civic body officials have reacted strongly by refusing to accept the proposal and will continue to press for their demand of 50 per cent water from the total water stock available in the dams.
Civic sources, however, also said that in the tug of war between the irrigation department and PMC, by not taking a stand the city’s guardian minister has indirectly supported the advisory committee’s resolution.
The decision regarding allotment of water was expected to be taken in the meeting, but because of the ensuing debate the final decision has been put on hold.
The irrigation department has proposed 9.6 TMC water for city and the remaining stock is for the villages and farming purposes. The current aggregate storage in all dams is 28.73 TMC. PMC demanded 50 per cent water of the total storage, which is more than 14 TMC.
Civic officials made their presentation, stating state government fixes that water quota. As per the quota, Pune city should get 11 TMC water every year.
But, the city consumes more than 13 TMC water. Till now the city has used 4.30 TMC water, so the allotment of 9.6 TMC water till the July 31 won’t be sufficient.
“Out of 4.30 TMC used water, which is calculated by irrigation department, two TMC water has been released to the Ujani Dam. So, it should be deducted from the calculations. Moreover, the city has managed to save 1.5 TMC water.
We have not accepted the decision. Everyday, we are distributing 1,250 million litres a day (MLD). The debate will continue till the next meeting, which is scheduled for January,” said a senior civic official, who was present at the meeting, adding that by remaining silent Ajit Pawar did not take any stand in the meeting.
BJP MLA Girish Bapat said, “We have demanded 11.50 TMC water till the July 31. As of now, we have not come to the final conclusion. But, we will stick to our demand.” u00a0
1,250 mld The quantity of water the civic body releases every day for the city
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