Pune: Residents Stage Symbolic Funeral Protest Over Water Shortage in Handewadi
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Handewadi, 9th May 2026: The second day of the ongoing three-day public agitation in Handewadi witnessed a massive symbolic protest march over the continuing water crisis and lack of basic civic infrastructure in the area. A large number of women, men, senior citizens, and youth participated in the protest held at Handewadi Chowk, demanding immediate action from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Residents carried a “dead” water pipeline during the protest and organised a symbolic funeral procession to highlight the absence of a proper PMC water pipeline in the area even after five years of coming under PMC limits. Protesters stated that despite paying regular taxes, residents are still dependent on private water tankers and continue to suffer due to the lack of permanent water supply infrastructure.
Participants carried banners and raised slogans against delays in development works. Residents alleged that, apart from water shortages, the area is also facing poor roads, drainage problems, and inadequate civic planning.
PMC officials met the protesters during the agitation and accepted the memorandum submitted by residents. According to the assurance letter issued by PMC officials, work related to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and planning for the water supply system is currently underway. PMC has assured residents that the required water infrastructure work will be completed within six months.
The letter further stated that additional tanker arrangements would be made immediately to reduce the current water difficulties faced by residents.
Executive Engineer of the Water Supply Department, Pune Municipal Corporation, Rajesh Shinde, interacted with residents during the protest and assured them that water-related issues in societies, including Majestique Rhythm County and nearby areas, would be addressed under the upcoming infrastructure project.
“PMC has already started the DPR and planning process for the water supply project. The department is working towards completing the required pipeline and infrastructure work within six months, and the water pipeline will reach Majestique Rhythm County society,” said Rajesh Shinde.
He further added, “To provide temporary relief to residents facing water shortages, PMC will also increase tanker supply capacity in Handewadi and nearby areas.”
Residents participating in the protest expressed anger over the lack of development despite the area contributing significant tax revenue.
“We are paying taxes every year, but there is still no PMC water pipeline in our area. People are forced to depend on tankers for basic needs,” said a woman resident during the protest.
Another protester said, “The dead pipeline carried during the march represents the reality of Handewadi. Even after years under PMC, residents are still fighting for drinking water.”
Organisers said the symbolic funeral protest was aimed at drawing attention to the long-pending civic issues faced by thousands of residents in the area. The agitation remained peaceful throughout the day, with citizens demanding accountability and immediate implementation of the promised development works.
