District Collectors Told To Submit Weekly Report On Water Storage

Pune: District collectors of five districts, under Pune revenue division have been asked to closely monitor water storage in reservoirs located in their respective districts and prepare a weekly report, said Prabhakar Deshmukh, Pune divisional commissioner on Wednesday. He added that water in Ujani and Kukdi dams is reserved for drinking purpose and there is enough water reserved in the Khadakwasla division to meet water demands of Pune city till end of July.

Pune: The standing committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday took a step forwardin drawing water for the city from the Bhama Askhed dam, situated about 40 km from the city in Khed taluka. The municipal commissioner has been given the right to acquire land for laying the pipeline.

“The committee also gave a go ahead to generate funds for the project through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and the state government,”said Baburao Chandere, chairman of the standing committee.

PUNE: The proposal to reserve land in merged villages for bio diversity parks (BDP) has been officially passed.

The Planning Commission’s Appraisal Has Stressed On Consistent Implementation Of Reforms And Holistic Urban Renewal

Pune: Urban planners and activists have criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for their inapt handling of works done under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM). The PMC has spent crores of rupees meant for renewal of infrastructure to cover up the backlog in the provision of basic urban services, they said.

Pune: The proposal to reserve land in merged villages for bio diversity parks (BDP) has been officially passed. But the major tasks lies ahead as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and citizens face a stiff challenge to protect the open tracks of lands from encroachers.

The state government has clearly put the responsibility on the civic body asking it to take care of the BDPs on its own. Environmentalists, on the other hand, say the PMC should devise a mechanism to protect the land from slums. Experts say that protecting public lands, parks and water bodies has become an increasingly uphill task. Adequate involvement of people, policy makers and politicians which is most essential for effective management of common resources in the city is shrinking rapidly.

PUNE: Citizens' groups, NGOs and educational institutions in Pimpri-Chinchwad can give suggestions and information about any environmental issues or eco-friendly projects to the municipal corporation. The suggestions will be considered by the corporation which has now started the process of preparing the environment status report for the year 2012-13.

Pimpri-Chinchwad mayor Mohini Lande and municipal commissioner Shrikar Pardeshi have urged the citizens to submit details about any environmental initiatives, explaining its nature, scope and its impact. "Citizens who are alert about the environmental impact during cultural activities, management and conservation of natural resources, use of eco-friendly techniques to save environment can also send their views and reports to the corporation," Pardeshi said.

Pune: The state government is likely to make it mandatory for all municipal corporations to treat and use sewage water for non-drinking purposes.

“A meeting of municipal officials across the state was called to discuss possible use of recycled sewage water. After deliberations, the government will take steps towards implementation of the plan,” said a state official. He added that the state government has decided to adhere to the Union government’s recent directives.

Proposal Okayed By General Body As Part Of DP Approval

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has moved ahead in preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to start grey water recycling system in old and new constructions across the city. Grey water comes from kitchen sinks, showers and washing machines. Between 50% and 80% of household water that goes down the drain could be reused to flush toilets or water outdoor landscaping and for irrigation.

Pune: Only 35 out of the approximate 10,000 buildings constructed in the city in the last five years have received the status of an ecofriendly structure.

The civic body adopted the ecohousing policy in 2008 to promote environmental, economic, health and safety benefits that come with such buildings. The policy plans to educate developers, architects as well as buyers to change the city's scenario and to create awareness about such homes. As per the PMC officials, on an average nearly 2,000 building permissions are issued by the PMC each year. Considering this, permissions to around 10,000 buildings have been given in the city in the last five years.

Pune: World over, efforts are being made to use technology to improve water efficiency with minimum compromise on performance. Considering the urban water crisis in India, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, has developed a ‘Roadmap for rating system for water efficient fixtures: A way to sustainable water management in India’.

Water-using fixtures in a building include cisterns and commodes, faucets, showerheads, urinals, etc, apart from other appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. The Maharashtra state government has appealed to the builders and developers associations across the state to opt for water saving measures wherever possible.