The years-long water crisis in Pune's Mohammadwadi, NIBM Road Annexe, and parts of Undri was supposed to end on May 17 when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated nine overhead tanks. However, weeks later, residents say water supply has not begun.
Inaugurations and Unfulfilled Promises
Shortly after the CM's event, former Shiv Sena corporator Pramod Nana Bhangire re-inaugurated three tanks. Residents expressed frustration over politicians erecting hoardings to claim credit while water remained absent from taps.
Residents' Complaints
Kishor Baligar, secretary of Dorabjee Paradise society, stated, "What you still see are posters and banners. What you cannot see yet is water being supplied to our taps." A resident of VTP Celesta society confirmed taking connections but added, "Water is yet to arrive."
Sushil Sharma, chairman of Urban Space society, highlighted issues: "Some societies got connections but no supply. Plumbers charge exorbitant rates, and PMC demands an undertaking with debatable clauses." He doubted the tanks' capacity to serve all households.
PMC's Undertaking and Plumber Charges
Baligar noted that PMC requires residents to sign an undertaking waiving legal action if water is not provided, making societies responsible for supply. "How can they add such a rider?" he asked. Ashok Mahendale from Raheja Reserve echoed concerns, citing plumber charges of Rs 1.9 lakh for a single two-inch connection to 190 flats.
PMC-registered plumber Vikas Shivaji Kale defended charges, saying a one-inch connection costs Rs 30,000 as liaisoning fee plus additional costs for digging and pipes. PMC officials said rates are fixed but some costs are negotiable.
Official Response
PMC water department head Nandkishor Jagtap confirmed supply has not begun. Around 41 societies applied for connections, with 31 sanctioned. Corporator Nivrutti Anna Bandal criticized the undertaking clause and high plumber charges, promising to discuss with the administration.
Broader Crisis
In Undri hilltop, Pisoli, and Handewadi, 62 societies with over 55,000 residents have no piped water eight years after merging into PMC. Sunil Koloti of MURWDF said they rely on tankers, paying Rs 800 each, and require 4.5 lakh tankers annually. He blamed PMC's building permissions for widening the demand-supply gap.
Proposed Solution
Koloti suggested building 12 overhead tanks under a PPP model using seven to eight amenity spaces. "It is not money, land, or expertise absent, but intention and political will," he said, calling it an administrative failure.
