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• First-of-its-kind ‘One Water’ report estimates water demand in Pune will rise to 853.5 MLD (million litres/day) by 2025
• Recommends STPs, rainwater harvesting systems and capacity-building, among other measures to combat Pune’s water risks

October 16, 2020, Pune: The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE), a joint research initiative of Mahindra Lifespaces® and The Energy and Resources Institute, has launched a report on the water systems and potential water challenges in Pune Metropolitan Region. The report was launched at a virtual event featuring a panel discussion with Dr. Himanshu Kulkarni, Head, Advanced Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM); Mr. Ravindra Sinha, Mission Groundwater; Mr. Amar Tendulkar, Chief of Design and Sustainability, Mahindra Lifespaces; Ms. Rachna Nagannawar, Architect, Founder and Head, Biophilic Designers; and Mr. Sandeep Sonigra, Co-Founder, Orange County Group, Pune.
The report follows a unique, integrated, ‘One Water’ methodology that incorporates multiple aspects of water systems - such as stormwater, wastewater and water supply networks - to recommend best practices for holistic urban water management. It also highlights the potential water risks faced by Pune City Taluka and the Pimpri Chinchwad City Taluka, including those associated with water sources, governance, infrastructure, and demand & supply.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Amit Pal, Chief Project Officer, Mahindra Happinest® * said, “Water is one of the most precious natural sources and is critical for the environmental sustainability of urban human settlements. As a pioneer of green homes and developments across India, Mahindra Lifespaces® is committed to a collaborative and research-driven approach towards sustainable urban lifestyles and practices. We hope this assessment report will enhance awareness of Pune’s present and future water challenges across stakeholder communities; and strengthen action to achieve water sustainability in the city.”

Sanjay Seth, Senior Director, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) said, “’Water Sustainability Assessment of Pune’ is a first-of-its-kind of study for a city conducted jointly by Mahindra Lifespaces® and The Energy and Resources Institute as a part of Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence. The report focuses on macro-level analysis of water management at the city level along with a micro-level analysis of water use in residential housing townships. As an outcome of the study, ‘Guidelines for Demand Side Water Use for Residential Townships’ would be further developed for the benefit of consumers.”

Key report findings:

1. Estimated built-up area in 2025 (per existing urban growth trends):

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2. Pune City Taluka will have to find alternative sources and practice demand-side water management.

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3. The installed capacity of water treatment plants in Pimpri Chinchwad (428 MLD as of 2019) will likely be inadequate for the city’s population in 2025. The city’s water demand is expected to reach 577 MLD by 2025.

4. Pune faces a significant risk of pollution of its natural waterways:

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Key report recommendations for sustainable water management in Pune Metropolitan Region:

1. Identification and filling up of data gaps related to groundwater availability and extraction for Pune city
2. Provision of city-wide sewerage network to ensure complete collection of sewage
3. 100% coverage of metered connections across the city to ensure revenue collection and controlled water usage
4. Zero discharge of untreated wastewater from the city into its natural water bodies
5. Identification and assessment of potential water sources - there are potential alternative water sources available, which, if tapped efficiently, could help combat water scarcity.
6. Treated water from STPs can serve as an effective alternative to freshwater extraction from natural water bodies and can be reused for non-domestic purposes.
7. The use of rainwater harvesting systems for storage and reuse should be promoted.
   This could be done by promoting installation of localised rainwater storage systems in new buildings for domestic purposes. This will also contribute to a reduction in water bills.

The Mahindra-TERI Centre of Excellence leverages state-of-the art research techniques, tools and performance measurement solutions to boost the development of green buildings in India. The joint research initiative is working towards developing open-source and science-based solutions for India’s real estate sector.

About Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd.

Established in 1994, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. is the real estate and infrastructure development business of the USD 19.4 billion Mahindra Group, and a pioneer of sustainable urbanisation in India.  The Company is committed to transforming India’s urban landscape through its residential developments under the ‘Mahindra Lifespaces®’ and ‘Mahindra Happinest®’ brands; and through its integrated cities and industrial clusters under the ‘Mahindra World City’ and ‘Origins by Mahindra World City’ brands.

The Company’s development footprint spans 25.3 million sq. ft. (2.3 million sq. m.) of completed, ongoing and forthcoming residential projects across seven Indian cities; and over 5000 acres of ongoing and forthcoming projects under development/management at its integrated developments / industrial clusters across four locations.  

A pioneer of the green homes movement, Mahindra Lifespaces® is one of the first real estate companies in India to have committed to the global Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The Company’s developments are characterised by thoughtful design and a welcoming environment that enhance overall quality of life for both individuals and industries.

Mahindra Lifespaces® has been ranked 17^th among India’s Great Mid-Size Workplaces 2019, by the Great Place To Work Institute.

Learn more about Mahindra Lifespaces® at www.mahindralifespaces.com

About TERI

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is an independent, multi-dimensional organisation, with capabilities in research, policy, consultancy and implementation. It has pioneered conversations and action in the energy, environment, climate change, and sustainability space for over four decades.

The institute's research and research-based solutions have had a transformative impact on industry and communities. Headquartered in New Delhi, it has regional centres and campuses in Gurugram, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Mumbai, Panaji, and Nainital, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, sociologists, economists and engineers, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Know more about TERI: http://www.teriin.org/

About Mahindra

The Mahindra Group is a USD 19.4 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume.  It also enjoys a strong presence in renewable energy, agribusiness, logistics and real estate development.  Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,56,000 people across 100 countries.