The Times of India 08.04.2013
Pune Municipal Corporation fixes water tanker rates to check fleecing
PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has released the rates for water tankers in the city and started helplines
for people to register complaints against contractors for overcharging.
The charges apply both to private and civic water tankers.
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.
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.
