Heavy fine imposed on PMC as a result of extra water usage and conception of pollution

Report by The Newsage Pune

Fine Imposed on PMC For Extra Water Usage

Due to overpopulation in the city, the resources of water have been exhausted, and tarnished. This has happened over a period of many years, resulting in dire conditions. Naturally, more people require extra water for usage and consumption, especially PMC. However, PMC has failed to keep up with the treatment plan of water resources. Due to this, there is a fine imposed on PMC for misuse of water resources, of Rupees.714 crores.

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) faces a demand of Rupees. 714 crores for excess water use and pollution fines. PMC has long exceeded the stipulated quota of water, in 2023-2024. The sewage to water ratio is more which has automatically led to untreated water and ultimately, water pollution.

This has been done under the guidance of the Water Resource Minister, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, mainly to accelerate recovery. The breakdown of dues has been provided as- Rupees.61.87 crore for approved water locations, Rupees.111.98 crores as a penalty for exceeding the water quota and Rupees.540 crores for untreated sewage discharged into the main water bodies and rivers since 2016. PMC has been alleged with consumption of 20 TMC water in 2023-2024, exceeding its quota of 14.61 TMC and also no treatment of the sewage generated over the stipulated quota.

The city generates 13.5 TMC, out of which only half of it has been treated, leading to the rise of water pollution. PMC has made an initiative to curb this issue by shifting to closed pipelines for water supply. This has helped save 2 TMC of water annually, overall. However, authorities emphasize on urgent sewage treatment upgrades to avoid any further mishaps.