Pune: Sewage Mixing with Drinking Water? PMC Launches Probe After Residents Raise Alarm in Mohammadwadi
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 10th June 2026: Following months of complaints and repeated follow-ups by residents and social activist Jaymala Dhankikar, officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Drainage Department have initiated action regarding the alleged contamination of drinking water at Ganga Kingston Society in NIBM Annexe, Mohammadwadi.
Residents claim that the issue has persisted for several months, with sewage-contaminated water allegedly seeping into the society’s drinking water system, raising serious public health concerns. They had repeatedly approached civic authorities, alleging that contaminated drainage water from neighbouring areas was entering the society’s water storage infrastructure.
After sustained pressure from residents and multiple representations submitted to civic authorities, PMC Drainage Department officials visited the site and inspected the affected area.
Welcoming the inspection, Dhankikar criticized what she described as an undue delay in addressing an issue that directly impacts public health.
“The contamination of drinking water by sewage is not an ordinary civic complaint. It is a serious public health concern that should have been addressed immediately. Residents were forced to live with the risk of water-borne diseases while authorities delayed action despite repeated complaints,” Dhankikar said.
According to Dhankikar, Health Inspector Navnath Shelar conducted inspections in May and June. However, residents alleged that no substantial corrective measures were taken following those visits. She also questioned the delay in implementing the long-pending sewerage infrastructure project for Mohammadwadi, despite a PMC work order reportedly being issued in February 2023.
In a video statement, Dhankikar expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
“Should citizens be forced to face health risks before the Drainage Department acts? Must people wait for a major health crisis before officials respond? Safe drinking water is a basic right and cannot be compromised,” she said.
Residents of Ganga Kingston Society said they were relieved that civic officials had finally inspected the site but stressed the need for a permanent solution rather than temporary measures.
“We have been reporting the issue for months. The contamination risk has created constant anxiety among residents. We hope the inspection leads to immediate corrective action and a long-term solution,” said a resident.
Another resident added, “This is not just about one housing society. The larger drainage infrastructure in Mohammadwadi requires urgent attention. Delays in civic projects ultimately affect the health and safety of thousands of residents.”
Dhankikar has demanded that PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram order an inquiry into the handling of the complaint, fix accountability for the delay, and ensure time-bound implementation of both immediate remedial measures and the long-pending sewerage network project.
Meanwhile, PMC officials have begun examining the matter, and residents are awaiting concrete action to prevent further contamination and safeguard public health in the rapidly growing Mohammadwadi–NIBM Annexe area.
