The battle for water in Pune

In poll season, electoral considerations dictate decisions. The state government’s move to cancel the proposed Maval pipeline, which was to bring water to Pimpri-Chinchwad, was clearly wrought by political compulsions, with local elections just days away. Readers may recall that the police had opened fire on farmers protesting against the pipeline in August, killing three.

Subsequently, the NCP lost an assembly by-election in nearby Khadakwasla, despite the strenuous efforts of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The message was clear: the farmers of Maval were in no mood to forgive anyone who sought to take away ‘their’ water.

Yet, a larger question remains. Towns are growing into cities and the demand for water is massive. The Maval pipeline was being set up to meet the needs of residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad, which has grown from two small towns into a bustling city of nearly 18 lakh. They need water, which will have to come from lakes and rivers located far away.

It is no one’s case that water should be diverted away from farmers and to cities. As it is, Maharashtra remains one of India’s most under-irrigated states, with just 2% of farmland getting canal water. Industry, too, complains of lack of water (besides land and power) as a reason for going elsewhere. It is time for the state to come up with policies to improve the availability of water for residents, farmers and industry. The move to scrap the Maval pipeline may have been made in view of elections, but the decision to improve the state’s water supply should be made keeping future needs in mind.