Pune: Tanker Vendor Supplies STP Water for Drinking, 80% of Kharadi Society Residents Fall Ill

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Kharadi, 25th December 2024: Residents of the elite Nyati Elysia society in Kharadi are grappling with a severe health crisis as contaminated water from a sewage treatment plant was allegedly supplied to their homes. Over the past three months, nearly 80% of residents have reported waterborne illnesses, prompting widespread panic and a call for immediate action from authorities.

Nyati Elysia residents discovered that the water supplied to their society by a private tanker vendor was sourced from a sewage treatment plant (STP). This revelation came to light after multiple complaints of illness and a recorded Zoom meeting between the residents, the builder, and the water supplier earlier this month.

“The supplier admitted his wrongdoing during the meeting and promised to cease operations immediately. However, he continued to deliver contaminated water, jeopardizing the health and safety of hundreds of families,” said a Nyati Elysia resident.

Despite the termination of the contract, the supplier reportedly obstructed new water deliveries by blocking the society’s water entry point with tankers on December 20. The residents were forced to call the police to remove the blockage and restore the supply from a new vendor.

“Most of us rely on this water for drinking and cooking, with purifiers connected directly to the supply. It’s terrifying to think we’ve been consuming untreated water from a sewage plant,” said another resident, highlighting the alarming situation.

A survey conducted within the society revealed that over 80% of the residents have suffered from health issues such as stomach infections, diarrhea, and fever due to the contaminated water. The affected residents have expressed concerns about the long-term health implications of consuming water with high levels of chemical and bacterial contamination.

Following complaints supported by the local MLA Bapu Pathare, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) conducted an investigation at the society and the STP plant. Adequate evidence (video of a tanker from source to the housing society) was gathered to confirm that the tanker vendor was indeed using untreated water from the plant for domestic supply.

An official from the PMC’s water supply department stated, “We have initiated action against the violators. Regulations will be implemented to monitor and control the use of STP water for domestic purposes. Efforts are also underway to provide an additional PMC water line to reduce dependency on private tankers.”

The residents of Nyati Elysia have formally lodged a complaint with the Kharadi Housing Society Welfare Association (KSHWA), urging them to:

Hold the responsible vendor accountable.
Investigate if similar incidents are affecting other societies in Kharadi.
Implement stricter audits on STP water usage.
Prevent any further hooliganism by water suppliers.

“The health and safety of our residents are non-negotiable. We request KSHWA to act promptly to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future,” said the residents of Nyati Elysia.

Residents are also urging authorities to investigate whether other societies in the area are receiving similar contaminated supplies. “This isn’t just about Nyati Elysia. If this supplier is operating in other parts of Kharadi, more people could be at risk,” said a concerned resident.

While PMC’s promise of additional water lines is a step in the right direction, residents are demanding faster implementation and stricter oversight. With hundreds already affected, the incident underscores the urgent need for better regulation of private water suppliers in Pune.