Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad’s Water Shortage Woes Continue with 30 MLD Deficit

Pimpri Chinchwad, 5th March 2024: The Pimpri Chinchwad city, with a designated water reserve quota of 100 million litres per day (MLD) from the Andhra Dam, has been grappling with a persistent shortage of 30 MLD for the past month. This shortfall has resulted in a surge in water-related complaints, leaving the residents in a state of frustration. Despite the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) reaching out to the officials of the Water Resources Department of the Government of Maharashtra, there has been no discernible improvement, leaving the city residents parched.

For the last four and a half years, Pimpri-Chinchwad city has been subjected to an alternate-day water supply regimen. The city receives 510 MLD from the Pavana Dam in Maval, 75 MLD from the Andhra Dam in the initial phase, and an additional 20 MLD from MIDC. Water from the Andhra Dam is released into the Indrayani River, lifted from the Nighoje Dam using 2 Pumps, and conveyed to the Chikhali Water Treatment Plant. Following treatment, the water is distributed through canals across the city. However, over the last 15 days, the city has been receiving only 40 to 45 MLD from the Andhra Dam, resulting in a 30 MLD water deficit. Residents in areas like Charholi, Moshi, Dudulgaon, Bhosari, Dighi, and others have been facing issues of inadequate and low-pressure water supply.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) initially reduced its water intake from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to 30 MLD from the previous 35 MLD when it began sourcing water from the Andhra Dam. However, due to a decrease in water availability from the Andhra Dam, the Municipal Corporation has reverted to the intake of 30 MLD from MIDC. This adjustment is expected to have financial implications for the municipal corporation.

Chief Engineer of the Water Supply Department at PCMC, Shrikant Savane, explained that the city has a reserved quota of 100 MLD from the Andhra Dam. However, in recent days, there has been insufficient water entering the outlet dam on the Indrayani River, leading to an increase in water-related complaints. Officials have contacted the Water Resources Department to address the scarcity in the Indrayani River. A meeting is scheduled with the Commissioner to discuss and find a resolution to this issue.