Corporator Nivrutti Bandal Proposes PPP Model to Solve Water Crisis in South Pune
Undri, 25th May 2026: Highlighting the deepening drinking water problems in Pune’s fast-growing southern suburbs, NCP corporator from Prabhag 41, Nivrutti Anna Bandal, has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to urgently develop a large-scale overhead water storage network across Undri, Pisoli, Handewadi and nearby areas.
In a proposal submitted to Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Bandal sought the construction of at least 12 overhead water tanks in localities including Undri Hilltop, Autadewadi, Wadachiwadi and Holkarwadi, stating that lakhs of residents have been facing severe water shortages for years despite rapid urban expansion in the region.
According to Bandal, the southern fringe of Pune has witnessed explosive residential development over the last two decades, with numerous housing societies, high-rise apartments and township projects emerging across the area. However, he alleged that civic infrastructure, particularly water storage and distribution systems, has not expanded proportionately.
As a result, residents continue to rely heavily on private water tankers, borewells and inconsistent municipal supply for their daily needs.
The corporator stated that many citizens are paying substantial property taxes, development charges and water-related levies, yet are still forced to spend large amounts on tanker water due to inadequate infrastructure.
He said the crisis becomes more severe during summer, when several societies receive water supply for only short durations, while some elevated areas face complete shortages.
Bandal pointed out that the issue is linked not only to water availability but also to the lack of proper storage reservoirs and pressure-management systems in hilly and uneven terrain areas such as Undri Hilltop and adjoining localities.
“Existing pipelines and distribution systems are unable to maintain consistent water pressure in elevated and tail-end areas due to rapid vertical development and uneven topography,” he stated.
To tackle the issue on a long-term basis, Bandal proposed creating an interconnected network of strategically located overhead water tanks aimed at improving storage capacity, pressure regulation and equitable water distribution across the region.
He also suggested implementing the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to reduce the financial burden on the PMC and speed up execution.
Under the proposal, developers, township projects and private stakeholders could contribute through infrastructure obligations, CSR initiatives and development-linked funding mechanisms. The corporator also recommended utilising reserved amenity plots for constructing the proposed reservoirs.
Referring to the earlier water crisis in Mohammadwadi, Bandal said focused planning and infrastructure upgrades had significantly improved water supply in that area and a similar approach should now be adopted for Undri, Pisoli and Handewadi before the situation deteriorates further.
The proposal further urged the PMC to conduct a detailed technical feasibility study, prepare a comprehensive master plan for the overhead tank network, identify suitable sites and organise joint discussions involving civic officials, engineers, planners and local representatives.
According to the corporator, the proposed project would help ensure balanced water distribution in elevated areas, reduce dependence on private tankers, improve water pressure, create emergency storage capacity during shortages and support future urban growth in Pune’s expanding southern suburbs.
