Maharashtra CM Fadnavis on Sunday credited citizens and local resident groups for the successful implementation of the equal water supply scheme in parts of south Pune, saying constant follow-ups by residents helped ensure the long-delayed project became a reality, reported the PTI.
Speaking at a function marking the start of regular water supply in areas including Mohammadwadi, NIBM and nearby localities, CM Fadnavis described the programme as one of the most important initiatives for him.
The Chief Minister said several citizens, organisations and housing forums regularly raised the issue with the government over the years.
“Some residents used to send me messages every week asking when the work would be completed. Today, I am happy that water has finally reached their homes,” he said, according to the PTI.
Chief Minister Fadnavis also praised the Mohammadwadi Undri Residents Welfare Development Foundation for actively campaigning and following up on the water crisis affecting the area.
Focus on reducing water leakage
Referring to Pune’s long-standing water distribution challenges, CM Fadnavis said the city earlier had high per capita water availability figures, but many residents still struggled to receive regular supply, the news agency reported.
He stated that nearly 40 to 50 per cent water leakage in the distribution network had become a major concern. To address the issue, the government introduced the equal water supply policy in 2015.
According to him, the aim was to create a stronger and more accountable water distribution system to reduce wastage and ensure fair supply to households.
Efforts acknowledged
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the efforts of Murlidhar Mohol, Chandrakant Patil, Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and Additional Commissioner Pavneet Kaur for helping speed up the project, as per the PTI.
Officials said the infrastructure work was accelerated to ensure water could be supplied to overhead tanks in the affected localities.
For several years, many housing societies in Mohammadwadi and Undri depended heavily on private water tankers due to inadequate civic water supply.
Residents and local organisations had repeatedly submitted petitions and staged protests demanding proper water connections from the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Last month, protests intensified after two people reportedly died in separate incidents involving water tankers in the area.
Residents have now welcomed the start of regular water supply, calling it a major relief after years of waiting.
(with PTI inputs)