In the financial year 2023-24, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is poised to generate its highest revenue of approximately Rs 2,300 crore from building permissions, driven largely by property redevelopment, with a notable increase in permissions issued from 956 to 1,709 compared to the previous year. However, this financial boon raises concerns about essential services, particularly water supply, which has been a challenge for existing properties. With the city's rapid real estate growth outpacing infrastructure development, urban planners emphasise the necessity for comprehensive civic planning, advocating for projects like town planning schemes to accommodate the burgeoning population and development demands.
In response to these challenges, PMC has outlined plans for infrastructural improvements, including the installation of 24X7 water supply systems, laying approximately 1,400km of pipelines, and constructing 82 overhead tanks to cater to the growing population. Efforts to reduce water wastage and enhance revenue collection through water taxes are also underway. Despite these initiatives, concerns linger over water availability, particularly as the city relies heavily on monsoon rainfall. The merger of 23 villages into PMC in 2021 has significantly expanded its jurisdiction and population, necessitating urgent measures to address the escalating demand for essential services in Pune's evolving urban landscape.