Pune News: PMC Steps Up Action on Water Meter Installation; 3,600 Meters Installed in a Month, Notices Issued, No Criminal Cases Yet
Pune, 3rd September 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified efforts to install water meters across the city. Despite initial opposition, approximately 3,600 meters have been installed within a month. Rather than filing criminal cases, the corporation has begun issuing notices and summons to residents and commercial establishments through officials from the water supply department.
Under the Equal Water Supply Scheme, the PMC had earlier directed that cases be registered against individuals opposing water meter installations. This firm approach has reduced resistance, enabling the rapid installation of meters. While no cases have yet been filed, the administration has started sending notices to ensure compliance.
The PMC highlighted that excessive consumption of drinking water was occurring, which requires proper treatment at water treatment plants before release into rivers. Following this, Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil instructed the municipal administration to take strict action. During the installation process, some resistance was encountered from citizens and certain political representatives.
In response, Additional Commissioner M.J. Pradeep Chandra issued a circular stating that individuals obstructing meter installation could face action under Section 353 of the IPC (obstruction of government work). During Ganeshotsav, PMC officials actively engaged with citizens, providing accurate information about the benefits and necessity of water meters, which helped accelerate the installation process.
To address continued resistance in certain areas, PMC has now started sending official notices and summons through water supply department officials.
In the first half of August, approximately 2,000 water meters were installed, followed by around 1,600 meters in the next 15 days.
Meters for Residential and Commercial Connections
PMC is installing meters for both residential and commercial connections through two appointed companies. On average, 5 to 6 meters are being installed per day by each team (pathak), with 50 to 60 pathaks working simultaneously across the city.
According to Lalit Bendre, Executive Engineer, Water Supply Department, PMC, stern warnings were issued in August to those opposing meter installations. By creating dialogue with residents during Ganeshotsav and providing accurate information, meter installation picked up pace. In areas where resistance persists, notices and summons continue to be issued to ensure compliance.
