Pune: Water-conservation efforts have been kicked into overdrive because of the drought in the state and subsequent water cuts. The Pune railway division and MSRTC too said they were doing their part.Both the agencies are looking at several measures — digging additional borewells, installing push-button taps and bucket-washing of buses, among others.Pune railway division recently dug three borewells to add to the existing 12. Officials said this would help meet demand during the festive rush.“We do not anticipate a water crisis at Pune railway station during Diwali and Chhath,” Hemant Kumar Behera, divisional commercial manager and PRO of the Pune rail division, said. He said they were not affected as yet by the one-day water cuts imposed by PMC, but were keeping an eye on the situation.TOI paid the station a visit and found water available at vending machines and coolers. Officials said they were also monitoring the availability of bottled water and told contractors managing station toilets to prevent wastage.Passengers, meanwhile, urged the authorities to prevent vendors from profiteering. “Vendors overcharging for bottled is one problem that emerges during festive rush periods,” a passenger travelling to Delhi said.MSRTC has installed push-button taps on water coolers and in toilets at major bus stations — Swargate, Wakdewadi, Pune railway station, Vallabhnagar, etc — to minimise wastage. “The flow of water stops automatically once the button is released. More measures will be introduced if required,” said Arun Siya, Pune divisional controller of MSRTC.Frequent bus users suggested that the authorities also focus on unauthorised sales of bottled water. “Overcharging happens mainly in the evenings, when monitoring is sometimes inadequate. Vendors selling water all over the premises despite an outlet to sell Nath-Jal. The administration must also address the poor cleanliness of the facility,” said Dattatray Gadve, who was waiting for a bus to Mumbai.MSRTC is also considering reducing water consumption in bus washing. Siya said the corporation does not use PMC water for the purpose but was exploring alternatives to further conserve supplies. “We are considering bucket washing instead of using hoses,” he said.
