By Sinjini Mitra
Water supply to Bhusari Colony, Paramhans Nagar and parts of Pashan and areas along Paud Road towards Chandni Chowk was disrupted after a pipeline at the PMC’s Warje Water Treatment Plant was damaged during drilling work. This is the second major pipeline fault reported in Pune within a week, it raises concerns over the damage to the infrastructure with the construction and road developmental work.
According to PMC officials, the damaged main pipeline supplies water from the Warje Water Treatment Plant to Chandni Chowk overhead water tank. The pipeline was shut down after the damage was detected for repairs, affecting water supplies to several surrounding residential areas.
PMC’s water supply department has deployed teams to the spot. Officials stated that the pipeline has to be emptied before the work can start, to avoid any further delays in restoration of supply. Residents in the affected areas have been asked to make alternate arrangements.
The pipeline was reportedly damaged during soil-testing work for DP road. The incident has once again triggered the risks of excavation and drilling work near current underground infrastructure.
The latest disruption comes just days after another pipeline was damaged in Balewadi on 18th September during a road-related work, affecting water supply in parts of the area.
Multiple incidents have triggered concerns among residents over the management between the PMC and agencies handling infrastructure projects. Residents have also focused on the need for proper mapping of underground pipelines before excavation.
With road, Metro and other infrastructure work in progress in Pune, these events focus on the need for better synergy among civic agencies to prevent damage to all important services. Identifying underground utilities before drilling and excavation can help to avoid such disruptions and ensure a more reliable water supply.
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