Water Availability Dictates Construction: Bombay High Court’s Directive for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pune, 18th January 2024: In response to a petition filed in the Bombay High Court addressing water scarcity concerns in housing societies within Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits, a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao. The High Court directive aims to ensure a sustainable water supply for citizens even before the initiation of construction projects.
The Bombay High Court, recognizing the gravity of the water issue in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, ordered the formation of a committee under Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao. The committee, mandated to meet every two months, was established to oversee water supply concerns and find lasting solutions. The first meeting took place on December 7, and the second meeting recently addressed critical issues related to water availability in construction areas.
In a recent meeting, Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao issued a directive to PMC, PCMC, and PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority) to carefully assess the availability of drinking water and domestic water in newly urbanized areas around the city before permitting construction. The emphasis is on prioritizing citizens’ water needs even before construction projects are initiated.
One of the key concerns raised in the first meeting was the submission of affidavits by builders, assuring water supply through tankers until a sustainable water source is secured. Commissioner Rao expressed dissatisfaction with this practice and suggested that PMC, PCMC, and PMRDA refrain from granting new construction permissions based solely on such affidavits. This move aims to ensure that construction projects do not proceed without a reliable water supply plan in place.
The directive from the Divisional Commissioner marks a significant shift in the approach to construction permissions in the region. By linking construction approval to the availability of water resources, the authorities intend to address water scarcity issues at their root, ensuring that citizens’ water needs are met before allowing further urban development.
