Pune: Numerous prime city localities faced disruptions in water supply on Friday after PMC’s 1,000mm pipeline, which brings water from Khadakwasla dam to the Holkar and Warje water units, developed a breach in Karvenagar on Friday night. The areas affected include Kothrud, Paud Road, Baner-Balewadi, Bavdhan, and Pashan.
Repairs continued till late evening on Friday due to technical challenges, resulting in supply disruptions throughout the day. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) claimed that repairs would be finished at the earliest but added the disclaimer that in case of unforeseen delays, water disruptions may continue on Saturday. The sudden water closure led to hardships for residents of areas dependent on the Warje supply unit, which failed to receive water in morning slots. Former corporators from Paud Road and Baner-Balewadi circulated messages among citizens’ groups about possible supply disruptions. Residents of Bavdhan said they received water at very low pressure till early morning, and then the supply stopped. Atul Bhosale, one such resident of Bavdhan, said, “Water supply was not restored as of late afternoon. We expect restoration by late night; else, the situation will become very challenging.” Prasannaraghav Joshi, a senior official from PMC’s water supply department, told TOI that teams were present at the site to take up pipeline repairs. “The fault was detected in Karvenagar at midnight starting Friday. Our teams attempted to carry out repairs, but the huge flow of water from the pipeline posed a challenge. The work of washing out water from the pipeline was underway till afternoon. We have shut the valves on the pipeline to prevent water flow,” he explained, adding that the administration will carry out welding and, if required, a damaged portion will be replaced. Another official said that local ward offices were alerted about water supply disruptions and asked to make arrangements for tankers depending on demand from citizens. Meanwhile, residents said PMC should provide water for additional hours to affected areas for the next three days after restoration of supply. Amey Joshi, a resident of Baner, said, “Supply was hampered all through Friday. We have adequate water stored in tanks of our society for two to three days. On Saturday, however, residents may have to really bear the brunt of disruptions.” Ajit Belsare, a resident of Paud Road, suggested, “PMC needs to provide updates on water restoration and the status of repairs to citizens to avoid chaos.” One more pipeline damaged: Supply to Hadapsar, Mundhwa, Ramtekdi shut on Saturday Meanwhile, one more water pipeline, which carries water from the Cantonment water works to Ramtekdi overhead tank, developed a fault on Friday in the Ramtekdi area. The civic administration said that the supply of water to areas of Hadapsar, Solapur Road, Magarpatta Road, Ramtekdi, Mundhwa, and Keshvnagar will remain shut on Saturday. The supply will resume late on Saturday night and is expected to be restored to full capacity on Sunday.
