PCMC Water Crisis: Moshi Residents Face Health Risks from Contaminated Supply
Residents across multiple areas in Moshi, Pune, have sounded the alarm over the deteriorating quality of water supplied by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). For several days, households have been receiving yellowish, foul-smelling water, sparking significant health concerns and widespread frustration.
Health Hazards and Unresolved Complaints
Despite repeated complaints to the civic body's water supply department, the issue remains unresolved, posing a severe health risk. The contaminated water has reportedly led to numerous cases of stomach upset and diarrhoea among residents.
Jayashree Lahariya, a resident of Tulsi Landmark Cooperative Housing Society—a complex with approximately 250 flats—shared her distressing experience. "Both my son and I are suffering from diarrhoea," she said. "We cleaned our storage tank to rule out any internal issues, but the incoming water continues to be yellowish and emits a foul odour."
A Recurring Nightmare for Communities
This problem is not new. Sandeep Kumbhar, another resident, revealed that contaminated water has been flowing through taps for nearly a month. "Our society's official group is flooded with messages from residents reporting vomiting and stomach pain," he explained. "We have complained repeatedly, but there is no solution in sight." Kumbhar added that such incidents have become a distressing annual occurrence, highlighting systemic failures.
Similar grievances were echoed by residents of El Progresso society. While major health issues haven't been reported yet, they fear an imminent outbreak if water quality doesn't improve immediately.
Compounded Crisis in Borhadewadi
In Borhadewadi, the situation is exacerbated by a lack of regular supply. Resident Suraj Sharma pointed out that even though water is provided only on alternate days, it remains contaminated. "Most societies in our area are already forced to rely on expensive water tankers because the PCMC supply is insufficient," Sharma stated. "Now, even the limited water we get is unusable, creating a dual burden of scarcity and pollution."
Civic Ultimatum and Official Response
Taking a firm stand, the Chikhali-Moshi Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Society Federation met with civic officials on Tuesday. The federation has issued a four-day ultimatum to PCMC to resolve the issue or face protests.
Sanjeevan Sangle, chairman of the federation, emphasized the urgency. "We want officials to visit the affected sites instead of issuing instructions from their offices," he asserted. "If this isn't resolved within four days, we will take to the streets to demand action."
PCMC's Explanation and Investigation
A senior official from the PCMC's water supply department confirmed receiving complaints from seven to eight housing societies. He explained that these areas receive water from the Andra dam, and purification methods are adjusted based on raw water quality.
"When the raw water quality deteriorates, we increase the quantity of purification chemicals," the official claimed. "This can sometimes cause a change in color after a few hours. However, we ensure the water is potable before it is released."
He further noted that the issue often stems from the Nighoje bund at Andra dam. "When water levels drop, the quality suffers as the water passes through several villages where untreated effluents are discharged into the source," he added.
While the official maintained that previous complaints were addressed, he assured that a fresh investigation would be launched to determine why the water quality remains persistently poor, aiming to restore trust and safety for Moshi's residents.
