Pune PCMC Warns of Strict Action Against Water Wastage, Deploys Inspection Teams As 10% Supply Cut is Implemented

Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th October 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has appealed to residents to use drinking water judiciously and warned of strict action against those found wasting or misusing it, amid the possibility of water scarcity due to below-normal rainfall.

Municipal commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi said the civic body had initiated measures to implement a 10% cut in water supply in accordance with state government directives. Special inspection teams have been deployed at the ward level to check water wastage and ensure compliance.

According to the India Meteorological Department’s forecast, rainfall could remain below normal this year and next due to the El Niño effect. The state government has directed municipal corporations and other agencies to reduce water supply by 10% to ensure that the available stock lasts until August 31, 2027.

The civic body has urged housing societies to use treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and greywater treatment plants (GTPs) for gardens, lawns and trees instead of potable water. Societies that keep their STPs non-operational risk permanent disconnection of their water supply, the PCMC warned.

Unauthorised drinking water connections at vehicle service centres will be disconnected immediately, and criminal cases will be registered against violators. Residents have also been asked not to use potable water to wash vehicles, terraces or courtyards.

As the civic body cannot provide water at full capacity to new housing projects, it will issue connections with restricted diameters to meet drinking water requirements. Electric pumps attached to municipal water connections to draw additional water will be seized, and penalties will be imposed. New connections will not be provided to washing centres and other large commercial establishments.

Commercial establishments, construction projects and other non-domestic users have been asked to arrange their own water supply. Action will be taken against those found misusing drinking water for purposes other than domestic consumption, schools and hospitals.

Residents have been urged to prevent overflow and leakage from ground-level sumps and overhead water tanks. Leaks in municipal water pipelines along roads should be reported immediately to the water supply department. With groundwater levels also inadequate, citizens have been advised to use borewell water sparingly.

The PCMC has asked builders to use treated water supplied by its STPs for construction instead of borewell water. Those illegally drawing water from rivers, storing it in wells or tanks and selling it through tankers have been directed to stop the practice immediately. The civic body said criminal cases would be registered against offenders in accordance with the district collector’s orders.

The corporation will also felicitate housing societies that demonstrate efficient and planned water use. At the same time, inspection teams will monitor compliance and take action against those violating water conservation measures.

“Every drop saved today will help secure water availability for tomorrow and the coming year. Citizens should use only as much water as necessary, avoid wastage and cooperate with the civic body in its water conservation efforts,” Suryawanshi said.