Pune: BRT Divider Cleaning Amid Water Cuts Sparks Row, PCMC Clarifies Treated Wastewater Used
Pune, 16th October 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has denied allegations that it was wasting drinking water to clean bus rapid transit (BRT) dividers in Kalewadi amid water shortages and a 10% cut in supply, stating that treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants was being used for the exercise.
The clarification came after reports of civic tankers washing BRT dividers in the area drew criticism, with questions raised over the use of water for cleaning roads when residents were facing supply constraints.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the civic body said its environment department was using tankers to transport treated water for cleaning BRT railings and dividers. It maintained that potable water meant for residents was not being used.
The PCMC said mud, soil and dust accumulated on the railings and dividers during the recent monsoon, covering reflective strips and reducing their visibility to motorists. The cleaning was therefore necessary not just for beautification but also for road safety, it said.
The civic body cited a recent incident in which a school bus collided with a BRT railing, stressing the need to keep railings and dividers visible, particularly at potentially hazardous locations.
The drive is also part of preparations for the Pune Grand Tour 2027 cycling event. However, the PCMC said the cleaning was not restricted to the event and was part of regular maintenance to ensure the safety of commuters, school vehicles and public transport.
The administration said it was seeking to balance water conservation with essential road maintenance and appealed to citizens to avoid wasting drinking water and cooperate with its cleanliness and road safety initiatives.
The statement was issued by Bapusaheb Gaikwad, joint city engineer, PCMC.
