The Indian Express 02.08.2012
PCMC diary: Pavana dam half-full
Pavana dam that provides water to 17 lakh residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad is nearly 50 per cent full after Wednesday’s heavy rain. Irrigation officials on Wednesday said the dam region received 254 mm rain in the last 24 hours. By Wednesday afternoon, the dam was 47 per cent full. On Tuesday, the dam was 39 per cent full. Officials said the storage will take care of water requirement for at least five-six months. Unlike Pune, which receives drinking water from four dams, Pimpri-Chinchwad receives water only from Pavana. The PCMC is trying to get water from Pavana dam through a water pipeline project. After last year’s firing in Maval, the project has been stalled. In summer when Pune faced water cuts, there were no cuts in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the dam had sufficient water.
PCMC to implement ITS
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has decided to implement the Intelligent Traffic System.The move is aimed at effective implementation of Bus Rapid Transit System. Civic officials said ITS will ensure the system is set up at bus terminals and on buses. Besides, it will also implement automatic fare collection. Passengers will also get bus information through SMS. “Commuters will also get pre-paid ticket cards which they can swipe at their destinations,” officials said. Last week, the PCMC standing committee approved appointment of a consultant for the ITS project. In the first phase, PCMC plans to start BRTS on Pune-Mumbai Highway and Aundh-Ravet Road.
JNNURM team visits
Last week, a four-member team of JNNURM officials visited the PCMC headquarters to review development works carried out by the civic body. JNNURM director Anand Mohan told PCMC officials to make certain changes in its computerised system that will resolve citizens’ complaints in quick time. Municipal Commissioner Dr Shrikar Pardeshi briefed the team about development plans being carried out by the civic body. The team expressed satisfaction about the works being carried out under e-governance. Pardeshi said PCMC administration reviews the development works every week and initiates corrective steps.
New bund on Pavana
Pavana river, which is the lifeline of Pimpri-Chinchwad, will get a new bund. PCMC has decided to construct the bund in view of the fact that the existing bund set up in 1947 at Raveth has developed cracks. Civic officials said once the bund is set up, water storage will improve. PCMC lifts 425 MLD from the river at Ravet.
