Pune: The civic body has demanded that the irrigation department allot an annual water quota of 21.5 TMC, up from around 14 TMC (from Khadakwasla circle and Bhama Askhed), to cater to demands of a growing population proportionate to an increase in area under the civic body’s jurisdiction. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner Rajendra Bhosale said, “The irrigation department should consider our demand.
The civic administration has to supply water to 34 newly merged areas and also to a floating population.” The irrigation department said PMC has been lifting more water than the sanctioned quota and the decision to allow additional water would be taken after due diligence. Civic officials said PMC has requested that a water quota of 21.
5 TMC be approved for 2024-25. In 2023-24, only 12.8 TMC was allowed, despite a request for 20.
9 TMC. A senior PMC official said, “We are hopeful that more water will be given to the city, especially since dams supplying water to civic areas are full. More showers are expected and the monsoon season is yet to end.
” According to the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulation Authority (MWRRA) directives, civic bodies must prepare and submit an annual water budget to the irrigation department. The budget must estimate a 2% population growth from the previous year. PMC has claimed it will have to cater to needs of around 79.
4 lakh people over the next year. Factors like water leakages would have to be considered over and above consumpt.