PMC may install booster pumps to 20 overhead tanks for improved water supply

Pune: The civic body has decided to install booster pumps at 20 overhead tanks to combat the issue of poor pressure while lifting water. The move is expected to improve supply.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will also lay pipes to connect unused overhead tanks with the supply system. The move is in response to complaints by citizens that the incomplete supply system is preventing resolution of water scarcity problems in their areas — especially those part of 34 newly merged areas.

Civic officials said the administration is finalising 20 locations, which may increase or decrease depending on the requirement, where booster pumps would be installed. It is being assessed on a case-to-case basis.
"Villages were merged with PMC quite some time ago, but basic facilities like water are hard to come by. Water tanks are built, but not made operational," said Shreerang Chavan of Haveli taluka Nagari Kriti Samiti, a citizens group.
Ganesh Turure, a resident of the merged areas, said the civic administration must ensure that taps supply clean water, since it would reduce dependence on private water sources. "Consumption of water from private sources led to health issues and outbreak of GBS in many areas. Supply of pure water is a must to avoid any such incidents in the future," he said.
PMC officials said the civic administration has undertaken projects for better water supply across the civic areas. A key one is the 24x7 water supply system. According to PMC data, 79 overhead water tanks, 300-km-long water distribution lines and 3.1 lakh water meters are part of the project, which the administration aims to finish in financial year 2025-26. Nearly 80% of the works are complete.
The civic administration is also exploring options to better utilise break pressure tank (BPT). "The need for booster pumps can be reduced if BPTs are promoted. It will help bring down costs of operation and maintenance. Consumption of electricity will also decrease. The DPR of 24x7 water supply suggested 10 boosters; the need must have increased due to the merger of 34 areas," said a senior PMC official.
"PMC is making efforts to upgrade the water supply system. Planning for the same is being done by improving infrastructure related to water tanks and pipelines," said MJ Pradeep Chandran, additional commissioner of PMC. He said talks are underway to introduce a metered system for water supply.