Pune: Amid Complaints of PMC Tanker Operators Charging Money From Residents, Civic Body Warns of Action
Pune, 24th March 2026: Amid complaints of tanker operators charging residents, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a circular warning operators supplying free water on its behalf against illegally collecting money, stating that strict action will be taken against violators.
Terming the issue serious, the PMC said such practices are tarnishing the image of the water supply department as well as the civic administration. The civic body supplies water to several areas through tankers, particularly in localities where the civic water supply pipeline infrastructure is not in place. Such tankers are provided free of cost and citizens are not required to pay for it.
The civic body has directed all executive engineers to maintain strict control over the tanker distribution system. Officials have been asked to carry out random inspections and field-level verification to check irregularities.
Officials said several complaints have been received regarding tanker operators illegally collecting money from residents. “The issue has been raised in public meetings, as well as in standing committee and general body meetings,” a senior PMC official said.
The circular clearly states that under no circumstances should tanker drivers or operators collect money from citizens. Authorities have also been instructed to create awareness among housing societies and residents, urging them to report such incidents.
Citizens have been asked to lodge complaints by submitting geo-tagged photographs along with relevant details on the PMC’s official WhatsApp number (9689900002).
The administration has directed that if any tanker contractor is found collecting money, a penalty of Rs 5,000 per complaint should be imposed immediately.
The civic body has also warned that in cases where officials fail to act or show negligence, responsibility will be fixed on the concerned municipal staff. The PMC has ordered immediate implementation of these measures to curb malpractices and ensure transparency in water distribution.
