Pune: PMC To Penalize Residents Misusing Drinking Water; Repeat Offenders Face Disconnection
Pune, 13th May 2025: Residents using potable water for washing vehicles, gardening, and cleaning roads in certain areas of the city will face penalties, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has warned. Persistent violators could even have their water connections severed. The move comes as part of the civic body’s effort to ensure equitable and sufficient water supply to all parts of the city under its Equal Water Supply Scheme.
According to PMC officials, the water supply project is nearly 90% complete in many areas, and water meters have been installed to monitor consumption accurately. This has enabled the authorities to track water usage in specific areas and identify potential misuse.
The Vadgaon Budruk water treatment plant currently supplies water to Katraj, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Kondhwa, Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, Anandnagar, Suncity, and Dhankawadi. However, with the population in these areas increasing, residents are already facing water scarcity issues.
Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of the Water Supply Department informed that during recent inspections, PMC found that some societies had malfunctioning water tank ball valves, leading to excessive water wastage. Additionally, some residents were discovered using drinking water for car washes, gardening, and road cleaning. In response, the water supply department has initiated strict action to curb such misuse.
Jagtap further stated that the civic body reviews the water storage levels in the reservoirs, daily water demand, and the allocated quota on a weekly basis. Reports of inadequate water supply from specific areas are also closely monitored.
“Complaints regarding inadequate water supply have risen, particularly in older housing societies. We have instructed engineers to inspect such societies and assess the distribution systems. If leakages are detected, the concerned societies will be issued notices to carry out necessary repairs,” Jagtap said.
