PMC and PCMC Take Charge of Water Supply for Large Housing Projects : PMRDA

Pune: In a significant development, the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipalities, along with other municipal bodies, have taken on the responsibility of supplying water to large construction and group housing projects within the jurisdiction of the PMRDA. This decision mandates that construction proposals and occupancy certificates will only be approved if the concerned local bodies issue a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) confirming the availability of water.

The PMRDA’s decision follows discussions in the monsoon session of the Legislature, where concerns were raised about the authority approving construction projects without assessing water availability. An inquiry committee was formed under the Divisional Commissioner, leading to the current directive. The PMRDA has clarified that it will not grant construction permissions unless water is available for the projects, as confirmed by the local bodies.

This move is expected to benefit construction professionals and hundreds of residents in 242 developing villages under PMRDA’s purview. The responsibility for supplying water to rural areas within a five-kilometer radius of the authority, including 23 villages within municipal limits, has been assigned to Municipalities, Municipal Councils, and the Jal Jeevan Authority, as per government directives.

Previously, construction projects often received approvals based on NOCs from Gram Panchayats, but water supply issues persisted. The new decision aims to streamline the process and ensure that water supply responsibilities are clearly defined and managed by the appropriate government agencies. According to Dr. Yogesh Mhase, Metropolitan Commissioner of PMRDA, the PMRDA is also contributing development fees to Municipal Corporations for infrastructure development, including roads, sewage management, and water supply in villages.

Dr. Rajendra Bhosle, Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, confirmed that municipalities are obligated to adhere to the state’s directive and will implement the decision to supply water within the designated five-kilometer radius.