Pune: PMC Warns of Stop-Work Notices for Construction Sites Using Drinking Water Amid Worsening Water Crisis
Pune, 24th June 2026: In a bid to curb the misuse of potable water amid the city’s escalating water crisis, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced stringent action against construction sites found using drinking water for construction activities. Projects violating the norms will be issued immediate stop-work notices, PMC City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar said on Wednesday.
The decision comes as Pune continues to face mounting pressure on its water supply due to critically low reservoir levels. With available water resources being carefully managed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water to residents, the civic administration has intensified efforts to prevent misuse.
According to the PMC, complaints have been received about potable water being used at construction sites despite repeated appeals to conserve water. In response, the Building Department has been directed to intensify inspections across the city.
Deputy Engineers and Junior Engineers have been assigned the responsibility of conducting regular inspections of construction projects within their respective jurisdictions. If any site is found using PMC’s drinking water for construction purposes, officials will issue a stop-work notice without prior warning. The civic body has also warned that further penal and administrative action will be initiated against developers found violating the regulations.
PMC officials said the city’s growing population, rising temperatures, and increasing water demand have placed unprecedented pressure on the water supply system. As a result, available water resources must be prioritised for drinking purposes, making it essential to prevent their use for non-essential activities.
The civic administration has appealed to residents, builders, and commercial establishments to use water judiciously and support conservation efforts during the ongoing shortage.
The enforcement drive will not be limited to construction sites. The PMC has also intensified inspections of vehicle washing centres, commercial car wash facilities, and other locations where water is being wasted. Authorities have warned that any individual or establishment found misusing drinking water or violating conservation norms will face strict action.
Speaking on the initiative, City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar said the civic body is committed to ensuring that every available drop of drinking water is reserved for citizens’ essential needs and that violations of the rules will be dealt with firmly.
