Pune: 1.5 Lakh Illegal Water Connections Detected, PMC Launches Drive to Curb Water Theft

Pune, 8th April 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has identified around 1.5 lakh illegal water connections in the city, leading to significant water loss. With nearly 3.5 lakh total water connections across Pune, the civic administration has launched a large-scale drive to curb water theft and reduce leakage in the distribution system.

PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said the civic body has already taken action against a large number of unauthorised connections, with nearly one lakh of them regularised so far. The ongoing drive aims to further reduce water leakage and improve supply management across the city.

According to officials, the city currently faces substantial water loss due to illegal connections and distribution leakages. Once the action against unauthorised connections is completed and the Equal Water Supply Scheme is fully implemented, the civic administration expects to reduce water leakage by around 15 percent.

The development comes at a time when the Water Resources Department has advised a 15 percent reduction in Pune’s water supply due to below-normal rainfall this year. However, the PMC has expressed displeasure over the recommendation and believes that with improved management measures, water cuts may not be necessary.

Commissioner Ram said the civic administration is focusing on multiple steps, including action against illegal water connections, recovery of pending water bills, and faster implementation of the Equal Water Supply Scheme, to ensure that residents continue to receive regular water supply.

Work on the Equal Water Supply Scheme is currently progressing at a fast pace. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce water leakage in the city’s distribution system. Officials estimate that out of the total 25 percent water loss currently reported, nearly 15 percent could be prevented through these measures.

PMC has intensified its crackdown on illegal water connections, many of which have already been regularised. Around 40,000 to 50,000 such connections are still pending regularisation.

The civic administration aims to maintain the standard water supply of 135 litres per capita per day for residents. Ram said the PMC is making all efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply and avoid the proposed water cut through better monitoring and administrative measures.

Meanwhile, the PMC has paid Rs 25 crore to the Water Resources Department as water charges by March 31. The civic body has also urged the department not to charge Pune at industrial rates for water supply. Commissioner Ram said the matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister to seek a resolution.