Pune: Residents Raise Red Flags Over Water Shortage, Tanker Issues at PMC Meeting; Officials Agree to Act on Water Affidavit Concerns

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 21st November 2025: A water committee meeting held at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday saw residents from several fringe regions raise strong objections over inadequate water supply, tanker-related issues and alleged corruption in water distribution. The meeting was presided over by Pavneet Kaur, Additional Commissioner of PMC.

Residents and representatives from Ambegaon Budruk, Ambegaon Khurd, Bibvewadi, Kirkitwadi, Narhe, Nanded, Jambhulwadi, Bhilarewadi, Nandoshi, Khadakwasla, Sanasnagar, Dhankawadi and adjoining areas participated in the discussion.

Thormote from Ambegaon highlighted the severe hardships faced by residents due to insufficient water supply. She also pointed out frequent accidents and traffic congestion caused by rash driving by private tanker operators, saying the situation is becoming unsafe for daily commuters.

Advocate Satya Muley, representing the residents of Pune, raised concerns over the earlier policy decision to discontinue “water affidavits” taken from builders. Responding to this, the Additional Commissioner said a circular formalising the discontinuation would be issued soon. Muley further demanded that PMC immediately publish all water affidavits obtained so far from builders so that legal action can be taken against defaulters. Officials agreed to initiate steps in this direction.

Several participants also alleged irregularities by valvemen and demanded strict regulation and monitoring of their operations to curb corruption and favouritism in water distribution.

During the meeting, Nandkishore Jagtap, who is the HoD for PMC’s water department, remarked that the listed regions are among the least affected as they are closer to dams and water bodies. However, residents countered this claim, stating that several pockets in their localities do not even have basic water pipeline connectivity.

The meeting concluded with the administration assuring residents that their concerns would be addressed through policy updates, improved regulation and timely communication.