Pune: PMC Announces Fines Up to Rs 10,000 for Water Wastage; Third Violation to Invite Criminal Case

Pune, 29th October 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has introduced stricter measures to prevent wastage of drinking water amid concerns over water scarcity. The civic body has prohibited the use of drinking water for construction activities, swimming pools and private gardens during water cuts, while vehicle washing centres will also face restrictions.

Violators will be fined for the first two offences, while a third violation will lead to the registration of a criminal case, Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale said.

The measures also cover unauthorised water connections, leaking water tankers and overflowing water storage tanks. Fines of up to ₹10,000 will be imposed for specific violations, while unauthorised connections will be disconnected.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur has issued an official order directing various PMC departments to implement the measures and ensure the city’s available water resources are used efficiently.

The Water Supply Department, ward offices, Garden Department, Building Development Department, Building Design Department and Road Department have been assigned responsibilities for implementing the order. Each department will have to appoint a nodal officer to monitor compliance and submit an action-taken report to the Water Supply Department by the 15th of every month.

Vehicle Washing Centres to Face ₹10,000 Fine

All public and private vehicle washing centres will have to remain closed during periods of water cuts. Centres found operating in violation of the order will be fined ₹10,000.

However, vehicle washing centres that use water from private borewells or wells will be permitted to operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The use of drinking water for public and private swimming pools and private gardens has also been prohibited. Violators will face a fine of ₹10,000.

Treated Water Mandatory for Construction Activities

The PMC has prohibited the use of its drinking water supply for building construction, road works and ready-mix concrete (RMC) projects.
Contractors will have to use treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) or water sourced from borewells and wells for these activities.
Contractors violating the rules will face a fine of ₹10,000. The civic body may also order the suspension of the construction work concerned.

Unauthorised Water Connections to Be Disconnected

Unauthorised water connections will be disconnected immediately, and a fine of ₹5,000 will be imposed. Repeat violations involving unauthorised connections will invite legal action.
A fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed if a water storage tank overflows, while tanker operators will face a penalty of ₹10,000 if water leaks from their vehicles.

The PMC has also directed officials to ensure that leaks in water pipelines are repaired promptly to prevent wastage.

Housing Societies to Be Asked to Improve Water Conservation

The civic body will issue notices to private housing societies to restart non-operational sewage treatment plants.

Societies will be advised to use treated wastewater for gardening and toilet flushing instead of relying on drinking water supplies for these purposes.

The PMC will also conduct awareness drives to encourage housing societies to install automatic float valves in water storage tanks to prevent overflow.

The order warns that disciplinary action will be taken against PMC officers and employees found negligent in implementing the measures.

What Are the Penalties for Water Wastage in Pune?

Vehicle washing centres operating in violation of water-cut restrictions will face a fine of ₹10,000.

The same penalty will apply to those using drinking water for swimming pools, private gardens, construction activities, road works or RMC projects. Tanker operators found responsible for water leakage will also be fined ₹10,000.

Unauthorised water connections will attract a fine of ₹5,000, along with immediate disconnection, while overflowing water storage tanks will attract a penalty of ₹1,000.

According to the announced enforcement policy, a third violation after two previous instances of enforcement will lead to the registration of a criminal case.