Pune: Residents Protest Irregular Water Supply in Viman Nagar, Block Main Road

Viman Nagar, 23rd September 2025: Frustration over irregular and inadequate water supply boiled over today in Yamunanagar, Viman Nagar, as residents staged an unusual protest by washing clothes on the main road near the local water tank.

For the past eight days, water supply to Yamunanagar colony—normally scheduled at 8 p.m.—has been highly erratic, with water arriving as late as 2 a.m. on some days. The unpredictability forced citizens, particularly women and the elderly, to stay awake late into the night waiting for water. Despite repeated complaints to the water supply department, no action was taken, prompting today’s spontaneous protest.

Early this morning, dozens of residents, including women and senior citizens, gathered near the water tank close to Symbiosis College. Sitting on the main road, they began washing clothes in symbolic protest against the authorities’ inaction. The agitation blocked traffic, causing congestion and compelling the police and water supply officials to rush to the spot.

Local leaders, including former corporator Rahul Bhandare, and activists Kamal Jagadhne, Jitendra Dhende, Sandy Mhaske, and Balasaheb Shingade, joined the demonstration in solidarity with residents.

Officials from the Bundgarden Water Supply Department later arrived at the site to pacify the protesters. After discussions, the officials assured citizens that the water supply issue would be resolved immediately. Following this assurance, the residents called off their protest.

Responding to the incident, Hema Kedare, Junior Engineer, Water Supply Department, said, “Due to some technical problems, water supply was disrupted in certain areas. Regular water supply will be restored from today.”

The protest highlighted the growing frustration among Pune’s urban neighborhoods, where water shortages and erratic distribution remain recurring issues despite the city’s rapid development.