The Indian Express     04.09.2012

Irrigation department asks PMC to pay Rs 670 cr for increased water quota

Irrigation dept and PMC had signed an agreement in 2005, valid till 2010, for 11.6 TMC

The drinking water crisis in the city is set to deepen with the irrigation department, which has promised to accept the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) demand for increased quota, seeking Rs 670 crore to construct a tunnel for supply for irrigation purpose and check leakage up to 3 TMC.

The department and PMC had signed an agreement in 2005, valid till 2010, for 11.6 TMC. In April 2012, PMC sought a new agreement for 18.94 TMC to meet the growing demand of the city's population that is projected to increase to 82.1 lakh by 2031.

In its response, the irrigation department said PMC was being provided 11.5 TMC on the condition that it recycles 6.5 TMC and releases it for irrigation. It said the increased demand could be met only if the civic body recycles 10.9 TMC for irrigation.

"There is no chance of getting permission for a new dam as it would affect the storage capacity of other dams. Therefore, recycling of Khadakwasla water should be done efficiently.

"The irrigation department has proposed a tunnel from Khadakwasla to Phursungi in place of the existing canal to supply water for irrigation. The department said this would save 3 TMC lost to leakage and the water could be made available to PMC. The department has asked PMC to pay Rs 534.50 crore for construction of the tunnel," said civic activist Vivek Velankar.

He said the department had said that increase in water use for drinking would reduce availability for irrigation and PMC should pay Rs 135.61 crore to compensate the loss.

In addition, the department has sought Rs 324 crore for infrastructure development to store 2.6 TMC in Bhama Askhed dam and Rs 51 crore for water denied for irrigation.Civic officials said they were readying a reply.