Pune ZP to prepare comprehensive contingency plan amid looming water crisis; members push for assured rural supply

Pune: Zilla Parishad (ZP) on Thursday directed its administration to prepare a comprehensive contingency plan to tackle a potential water crisis in the district’s rural areas, with a strong focus on water conservation measures and assured supply through next summer.At a special meeting convened to review the situation, ZP members stressed the need to reserve adequate water for villages and passed a resolution seeking representation for ZP chairman Veerdhaval Jagdale at the upcoming Khadakwasla canal committee meeting, where water allocation for urban and rural areas is expected to be discussed.“Most members emphasised that rural areas should receive adequate water till next summer. A resolution was therefore passed to ensure ZP representation at the canal committee meeting,” Jagdale said.According to ZP officials, the contingency plan will cover drinking water supply to scarcity-hit areas, fodder provision, groundwater assessment and other drought-mitigation measures. The proposal will be submitted to the district collector.At present, water tankers are supplying water to eight villages, though officials expected the number to rise in the coming months. During last summer, tanker supply was extended to 168 villages across the district.The members also raised concerns over delays in tap water schemes and urged the administration to expedite pending rural water supply projects.