Pune: PCMC Seizes 23 Pumps In Crackdown On Illegal Water Extraction
Pune, 29th October 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has seized 23 motor pumps during a crackdown on illegal water extraction in Pimple Nilakh and Thergaon, but residents have alleged that some offenders have resumed pumping water by reconnecting the seized equipment or installing new pumps.
The civic body plans to deploy special squads to curb water theft and wastage. Each squad will have six personnel, including a junior engineer from the water supply department, and will conduct inspections during morning and evening supply hours. However, the deployment schedule is yet to be announced.
Illegally attaching motor pumps to water connections can reduce pipeline pressure, affecting supply to other households. Residents have called for surprise inspections and stricter action against repeat offenders, including penalties and disconnection of water connections.
“Five squads will be deployed in two separate shifts to prevent water wastage. If residents find water being wasted or someone engaging in such practices, they should lodge a complaint with the municipal corporation. Action will be taken against those concerned,” said Mahesh Baride, executive engineer, PCMC.
Residents have also demanded a time-bound response to complaints, arguing that pump seizures alone may not stop illegal extraction if offenders can simply replace the equipment and resume the practice.
The issue comes amid water-shortage complaints from housing societies across Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Tathawade, Thergaon and Punawale. A federation of housing societies has submitted a list of 36 societies facing shortages to the civic body and sought inspections to assess supply levels and distribution problems.
