Pune Residents Flout Water Conservation Orders Despite Ongoing Crisis

In Pune, where water scarcity has become a pressing issue, a recent investigation by a Hindustan Times team uncovered a concerning trend: many residents are ignoring directives from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to use water judiciously. During a visit to various areas of the city, multiple instances of water wastage were observed on Sunday.

A man was seen washing his car in Shivaji Nagar, while nearby, the entire premises were being cleaned with water. Similar instances were observed in Gokhale Nagar and Jan Wadi, where bungalows were being washed with water, blatantly ignoring the conservation measures advised by authorities.

A resident of Erandwane, expressed his dismay, stating, “On the one hand, people are asking for an increase in water supply whereas on the other, they are showing a complete disregard for the judicious use of water.”

At Mahatma colony, another individual was cleaning his showroom with substantial water. He justified his actions, saying, “I had to clean the steps of the showroom since they were covered in mud and stains. Merely cleaning them with a wet cloth would not have been enough,” requesting anonymity.

Earlier this week, Pune district collector Suhas Diwase chaired a meeting to address the water shortage crisis in the city. Officials from the water supply departments of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the district municipalities were present, discussing measures to mitigate the situation.

In response to dwindling dam water stocks, the PMC has issued directives to car washing centres, prohibiting using water supplied by the civic body for washing cars. Similar instructions have been issued regarding the utilization of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) water for construction activities. Despite these efforts, some residents’ blatant disregard for water conservation measures remains a cause for concern.