Indian Express 19.04.2010
Mercury rising, civic body to rope in more water tankers
Express News Service Tags : corporation, water Posted: Monday , Apr 19, 2010 at 0441 hrs
Pune: Considering that the situation of water availability might get worse due increasing heat of the summer, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to rope in another fleet of 100 water tankers to cater to the needs of the residents, especially on the outskirts.
Pramod Nirbhavne, water supply chief of PMC gave this information. He said, “Last year, the situation of water had turned dismal. Heat coupled with absence of rains made things worse and the Irrigation Department curtailed the water supply to the Pune city from Khadakwasla dam. We had to take help from private tankers to quench the thirst of the city last year.”
“Considering the situation, we have started gearing up to tackle the issue of water scarcity this summer. We have a fleet of 250 water tankers at our disposal, however, if need be, we would rope in another 100 water tankers which would provide water to different parts of the city, especially the areas on the outskirts,” he added.
Last year, private water tanker providers had allegedly started taking advantage of the situation arising out of water scarcity, following which, the civic body fixed prices of water tankers and made it clear that those charging above these fixed rates would not get water from its refilling station. The civic administration made a contingency plan to resolve the water scarcity situation in the city due to the delayed monsoon.
