Pune Water Crisis: Residents Threaten Tax Boycott Over Tanker Dependency in Undri, Pisoli, Mohammadwadi, Kondhwa

Kondhwa, 27th April 2026: Residents of several localities in Pune, including Undri, Pisoli, Kondhwa, Mohammadwadi, Sayyad Nagar and nearby areas, have expressed growing concern over an ongoing water shortage, with many alleging continued dependence on private water tankers.

The issue has also raised safety concerns, as some residents claim that accidents involving water tankers in recent years have resulted in fatalities, prompting criticism of the existing system.

Amid the situation, local residents organised a candlelight march to register their protest and highlight the lack of regular water supply. They stated that despite repeated complaints, a consistent municipal water supply has not been ensured in these areas.

Advocate Tosif Shaikh, representing a group of residents, has warned of a tax boycott if the issue is not addressed. He met Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, submitting a memorandum outlining the demands.

According to residents, several water storage facilities in these areas have remained non-functional for years. They argue that while the civic body continues to collect property tax and the state government earns significant revenue through stamp duty, basic services such as water supply remain inadequate.

Residents further said they are incurring additional monthly expenses on private water tankers and maintenance charges, which they described as a financial strain.

In the memorandum, Shaikh has demanded immediate restoration of regular water supply, repair and activation of non-functional water infrastructure, and relief measures for affected residents. He also called for suspension of tax collection in areas without water supply and a refund of previously collected taxes.

He added that if the demands are not met, residents may consider launching a democratic agitation.

“Water is our fundamental right. If we are not receiving water despite paying taxes, this injustice will not be tolerated,” residents said during the protest.