The idea is to prevent citizens from getting duped by water tanker
operators against the backdrop of scarcity in city. “The civic
administration has fixed the rates for tankers which have been decided
as per the distance and capacity of the tankers,” water department
officials said.

Officials in the water department said that
citizens who wish to place an order for water-filled tankers should
consider these rates and make the payment, accordingly. If any operator
demands more than these prescribed rates, people should contact the
water works department. The complainant should provide the name of the
tanker supplier or tanker number along with the date, time and place.

The city draws over 16 TMC water from reservoirs of Panshet,
Khadakwasla, Temghar and Varasgaon dams. It has been facing water cuts
since March 2012. The city initially had a 20% water cut which was
reduced to 10% in August 2012 after the progress of the monsoon.

Besides, the helpline for tankers, the civic body has also recently
started a helpline for other water issues. The water supply department
has started a system which uses internet, helpline and cellphone
technology to register people’s complaints. Problems like leakage, no
water or supply with low pressure, contaminated water, illegal water
connection, wastage, inflated bills etc can be addressed through the
system.

Information related to the problem will have to be
filed in the online system (pws.punecorproation.org). A complainant can
also register grievances by calling the helpline number (25508171) and
via SMS (SMS number 8308895656). The system will generate a reply to the
complainant via an SMS.

Limited water resources and
ever-increasing demand has forced the civic body to bring a rationing
policy that will set a limit to the amount of water supplied to 23
fringe villages around Pune city.

The draft proposal stipulates
a provision of 40 litres per capita per day (LPCD) for people living in
fringe areas. The PMC says that the policy will help it manage water
resources in a better way. As of now, the civic body is providing almost
200 litres water per person per day in city areas.

The
villages, which fall in a five km radius of the city, were earlier
getting approximately 80 LPCD. This will now be reduced to 40 LPCD. The
areas that will be affected include Manjari, Keshavnagar, Undri, Pisoli,
Sadesataranali, Lohegaon, Wagholi, Shivane, Bavdhan, Sus, Mahlunge,
Bhugaon, Narhe, Dhayari, Nadad, Kirkitwadi, Khadakwasla, Ambegaon,
Newkopare, Kondhwe-Dhavade and Uttamnagar. The water supply department
supplies a total of 16.18 MLD (million liters per day) water to these
villages. Most of these villages have a huge demand for tankers.