Pune: Residents of NIBM Annexe Area Express Strong Resentment over Delayed Water Supply Despite 15 Years of Struggle
By Adv. Kishor Baligar
Pune, 26th May 2026: Residents of the NIBM Annexe area have expressed strong resentment over the delay in receiving regular water supply despite a prolonged struggle spanning nearly 15 years. Citizens and resident groups have alleged that assurances given by authorities have yet to translate into consistent and adequate water supply in the area.
The issue has gained attention after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the water supply line on May 17, 2026, and assured residents of regular water supply. However, several residents claim there is still uncertainty regarding the actual implementation and continuity of the supply.
Residents have also raised objections to undertakings allegedly being sought by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) from housing societies before providing water connections. According to local citizens, some clauses in these undertakings restrict societies from approaching courts or raising grievances regarding water supply issues. Residents have termed such conditions arbitrary and unfair.
Citizens from the NIBM Annexe and surrounding areas stated that nearly 40 to 50 housing societies have been dependent on private water tankers for more than a decade due to the lack of PMC water supply. They alleged that political interference and the continuation of the “tanker system” delayed the implementation of the water project. Residents estimate that societies collectively spent several crores of rupees on tanker water over the years.
The Mohammadwadi area was merged into the Pune Municipal Corporation limits in 1997. Residents claim that despite rapid urbanisation and the approval of several residential projects since 2005, adequate water infrastructure was not developed in proportion to the growing population.
According to residents, builders were required to provide temporary water arrangements until PMC supply became available. However, citizens alleged that most societies eventually had to rely on private tanker services, increasing their financial burden. Some residents also claimed that complaints regarding non-compliance by builders were brought to PMC officials but no significant action was taken.
Residents further pointed out that several overhead water tanks in the area were constructed nearly eight years ago, but the project was not commissioned for a long period. Citizens questioned the delay in operationalising the infrastructure and criticised what they described as administrative inefficiency and lack of planning.
Locals also expressed concern that the current water distribution system may not adequately meet the demands of the significantly increased population in the area. Residents fear that the existing infrastructure may fall short in ensuring long-term and uninterrupted water supply.
Several resident associations, including the NIBM Anandvan Parisar Residents Association (NAPRA), APRF Community, Survey No. 25-26 Residents Forum, and Undri-Mohammadwadi Residents Forum, have been actively raising the issue through protests, representations and legal interventions over the years.
Residents have also raised concerns over the process of obtaining water connections. According to citizens, only licensed plumbers authorised by PMC can certify the connections, and no fixed charges have reportedly been prescribed for such services. Some residents alleged that this has led to excessive consultancy and service charges being demanded from housing societies and flat owners.
Citizens have appealed to political representatives and authorities to ensure timely and transparent implementation of the water supply project and address the pending concerns of residents in the area.
(Adv. Kishor Baligar is a local resident NIBM Annexe area, Pune)
