PUNE: The State Water Resource Department has issued an ultimatum to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to stop excessive use of water and clear arrears worth Rs 395.55 crore.
The department has also warned that failing to do so, the water supply to PMC will be severed from March 20, 2018. The department has claimed that PMC has not cleared its dues of Rs 354.73 crore towards the excessive usage of water since 2012-13 till 2016-17. This is in addition to the dues for usage of water for the current year, amounting to Rs 40.82 crore. Officials of Khadakwasla Irrigation Division sent two letters to PMC about pending arrears based on State government’s order. However, the PMC said that they will cross check bills and then take a decision.
PB Shelar, Executive Engineer, Khadakwasla Irrigation Division, said, “As per the agreement, PMC is entitled to take 1.25 TMC water per month but they are taking around 2 TMC water every month. We have issued them an ultimatum to stop the excessive usage of water as we may face water scarcity in the summer. The PMC should pay arrears as soon as possible or they have will to face the problem.”
VG Kulkarni, Chief Superintendent of PMC’s Water Supply Department, said, “The amount of dues is unrealistic. We have written a letter to the Water Resource Department that we will not pay the amount till detailed bifurcation of arrears is not given to us. l have submitted detailed information regarding the supply of water to the corporation. We are not taking excessive water from dams.”
State Water Resource Department stated in the letter that as per rules framed by Maharashtra Water Resource Regulatory Authority (MWRRA), PMC used extra water. State government approved 11.50 TMC water to PMC. While according to Water Resources Department, PMC is using 16 TMC water. So, it has slapped administrative fine for extra usage of water.
State Water Resource Department stated in the letter that, PMC used extra water. State government approved 11.50 TMC water to PMC. While according to Water Resources Department, PMC is using 16 TMC water. So, it has slapped administrative fine.