Sewage Found in Drinking Water at 70 Locations Across Pune, PMC Admits

Pune, 18th February 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has admitted that sewage contamination has been detected in drinking water supply at around 60 to 70 locations across the city, following sharp criticism from corporators during a general body meeting.

Elected representatives alleged that residents in several areas are receiving foul-smelling, discoloured water and falling ill after consuming it, despite repeated complaints to civic authorities. The issue was raised in the house by corporators including Gafur Pathan, Vaishali Bankar, Prashant Jagtap and Ashwini Landge, who accused officials of neglecting the matter.

Responding to the concerns, Water Supply Department head Nandkishor Jagtap acknowledged that leakages in pipelines have allowed sewage to mix with drinking water at multiple points. He informed the house that repair work will be undertaken and that the sewerage department has allocated ₹20 crore for pipeline rectification and shifting. A tender has already been issued for the project, he said.

A departmental survey revealed contamination in parts of Kondhwa, Hadapsar, Katraj, Shivneri Nagar, Bhagyodayanagar, Santosh Nagar and Anjaninagar. Officials cited dense population, narrow lanes, and ageing water and drainage pipeline networks as major causes. In several places, water pipelines lie below sewer lines, which have been damaged by rodents, allowing sewage to seep into the ground and enter supply lines.

In some localities, space constraints have led to water pipelines passing through drainage chambers, further increasing contamination risks.

The administration stated that work will be undertaken to shift, repair or replace pipelines in all affected areas to prevent further contamination.

During the meeting, opposition corporators also raised concerns about water supply, drainage and property tax issues, alleging that conditions worsened during the four-year administrative rule due to lack of attention from officials.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure directed the civic administration to hold review meetings at each regional office with department heads and invite corporators from all parties to ensure grievances are addressed and corrective measures implemented.