The Times of India       21.01.2011

UNE: The state government has given in principle approval to the water recycling (ultrafiltration) project of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

Mayor Yogesh Behl told TOI on Thursday, "Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has Directed the PCMC and the Maharashtra Industries and Development Corporation (MIDC) to prepare a feasibility study of the project. The project aims at re-treating the treated water from the 120 million litres per day (MLD) capacity sewage treatment plant (STP) at Kasarwadi and supply it to industries and others for non-potable use. The ultrafiltered water can be used by industries as well as builders and PCMC for gardening, washing etc."

Prashant Shitole, chairman of the PCMC standing committee, said: "The industries buy water from the MIDC at the rate of Rs 27 per 1,000 litres and later release untreated water into the river. The industries can instead take the ultrafiltered water from PCMC for non-potable use." tnn

The minister has also assured to release the Rs 229 crore pending with the state government as its share of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission projects being implemented in the PCMC limits. Behl said. "He has directed the urban development department officials to submit a proposal to the government."

"The state government has also given in-principle approval to give five to 10 acres of land belonging to the MIDC for a fire office of the PCMC's fire brigade,: Shitole said. The PCMC has demanded the land at nominal rates from the MIDC, while the PCMC will develop the infrastructure and deploy its fire engines, he added.

Meanwhile, the public hearing on the issue of premium charges on land development along BRTS routes in Pimpri-Chinchwad will be held on January 28 and 29. Ajit Pawar directed the civic administration to take action as per the provisions of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act.