Pune Water Crisis: Incomplete Pipeline Halts Supply to 15 Overhead Tanks
In Pune, incomplete work on a critical pipeline has severely disrupted water supply to approximately 15 overhead water storage tanks in the Mohammadwadi, Undri, and parts of Kondhwa areas. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has confirmed that while pipeline laying is largely complete, a crucial 150-meter stretch on Katraj-Kondhwa Road remains unfinished due to significant technical difficulties.
Technical Challenges and Delayed Timeline
An official from the PMC water supply department, speaking on condition of anonymity, detailed the obstacles: "The water transmission line originates from the Katraj-Kondhwa area. Multiple challenges hinder completion, including the impossibility of road digging due to existing establishments and houses, hard rock beneath the surface, and ongoing road widening by PMC. We are exploring various technical solutions and expect a breakthrough soon."
This pipeline project, initiated at least two years ago under Pune's ambitious 24x7 water supply initiative, now faces a June 2026 deadline for full completion. Until then, PMC is supplying water to affected localities—Mohammadwadi, Undri, NIBM Road, and parts of Kondhwa—through alternative sources, though residents report ongoing hardships.
Impact on Residents and Local Concerns
Currently, these areas grapple with inadequate water supply, forcing hundreds of housing societies to depend entirely on private water tankers for daily needs. Resident Arun Raste expressed frustration: "We receive hollow assurances from officials while spending huge sums on tankers. Moreover, the increased tanker traffic has led to reckless movement and fatal accidents on roads."
Another resident, Bhushan Shah, echoed these concerns, urging PMC to not only complete the pipeline but also regulate tanker movements to enhance safety. Local corporator Nivrutti Bandal has pledged to address the issue with civic authorities, seeking a detailed plan to expedite infrastructure works and alleviate resident suffering.
Broader Water Management Efforts
Once operational, the pipeline is projected to significantly improve water supply, benefiting an estimated population of one lakh with longer supply hours and adequate pressure. In a related move, PMC has issued an appeal to housing societies citywide to prevent water wastage by monitoring overflowing storage tanks, particularly during summer. A recent drive in the Bund Garden Road area revealed many non-functional float valves in tanks, prompting this conservation effort.
The civic administration is actively working on options to finalize the pipeline laying before the monsoon season, aiming to mitigate the ongoing crisis and enhance water accessibility for Pune's affected communities.
