Pune: Over 20,000 Illegal Water Connections Found, Regularization Drive Gains Momentum in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pimpri-Chinhcwad, 30th July 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has uncovered more than 20,000 illegal water connections during an ongoing city-wide survey launched after receiving poor public response to a previous regularization campaign. So far, 1,347 of these connections have been regularized and fitted with water meters under a Rs 32 crore project.
The initiative, which began in December 2024, involves a contractor-led survey and meter installation program to identify unauthorized water taps and reduce the city’s 40% water leakage and theft rate. With over 6.35 lakh registered properties but only around 2 lakh official water connections, PCMC suspects that more than 30,000 water lines in the city are unauthorized.
Despite waiving the security deposit and extending the regularization deadline three times, the PCMC received only 1,673 applications across its eight zones. The water department then outsourced the survey and regularization work, which is expected to continue for 24 months.
The process includes installing meters based on the pipe diameter, with costs ranging from Rs 10,000 and upwards. This amount will be recovered in 60 monthly installments through water bills.
The city receives 630 MLD (million liters per day) of water, 520 MLD from Pavana dam, 90 MLD from Andra dam, and 20 MLD from MIDC. According to the water department, plugging unauthorized connections and installing meters will significantly reduce wastage and increase municipal revenue.
Mahesh Baride, Executive Engineer, PCMC Water Supply Department said, “Surveys in various localities, including slum areas, have revealed over 20,000 illegal connections. These are now being regularized with meter installations, and water charges are being levied accordingly.”
