Pune: Karvenagar Water ATM Water Found Unfit for Drinking, BJP Leader Khardekar Raises Alarm
Karvenagar, 28th April 2026: Concerns over the safety of drinking water dispensed through so-called “water ATMs” have surfaced in Karvenagar after a recent test found the water to be unfit for consumption, prompting demands for a citywide inspection.
In a letter addressed to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Sandeep Khardekar, president of Creative Foundation and a BJP leader in Pune, highlighted the issue and sought urgent action.
The complaint comes at a time when residents across Pune have been grappling with disruption in water supply on Thursdays and Fridays. Amid this, a private water ATM installed in Karvenagar has been attracting large crowds by offering drinking water at the rate of ₹1 per litre. The facility is particularly popular among students in the area.
However, raising doubts about the quality and source of the water, Khardekar said he alerted the PMC’s water supply department. “I lodged a complaint with the junior engineer of the water department, Aparna Desai. Following this, a sample was tested, and the report has confirmed that the water is not fit for drinking,” Khardekar said.
Despite the test results, the water ATM continues to operate, with students still purchasing water. One student from Nanded told reporters that 10 litres of water is available for ₹5 and is sufficient for daily consumption.
Khardekar questioned the legality and regulation of such facilities. “Can water be sold in this manner? If the water is unfit for drinking, why is there no warning displayed? If citizens fall ill due to contaminated water, who will be held responsible?” he asked.
He further demanded clarity on how many such water ATMs are operating across Pune and whether they have been officially authorised by the PMC.
Khardekar has urged the civic administration to direct health inspectors and water department engineers to conduct inspections of all such units and take strict action to prevent any public health risk arising from contaminated water.
The PMC is yet to issue an official response on the matter.
