Pune Water Tanker Accident Outrage: Residents Protest, Demand Regulation of Tanker Movement
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Mohammadwadi, 9th April 2026: A silent protest was held on Wednesday at 5 pm near Royal Heritage Mall (D-Mart) in Undri, where residents and local representatives gathered to express concern over recent fatal accidents involving water tankers in the area.
The protest was organised following two tragic incidents. In the NIBM–Mohammadwadi area, a 19-year-old youth lost his life after being run over by a water tanker. In a separate incident in Wanowrie, Garcia Daniel, a working woman, was killed after a tanker collided with her two-wheeler while she was on her way to work.
The incidents have triggered anger and concern among residents, who pointed to the rising number of water tankers operating on narrow internal roads due to ongoing water scarcity.
Public outcry over tanker movement
Residents highlighted that dependence on private water tankers has increased significantly in Undri, NIBM, Mohammadwadi and Pisoli, resulting in frequent movement of heavy vehicles through residential neighbourhoods.
According to local representatives, hundreds of water tankers pass through these routes every day, raising serious safety concerns for pedestrians and commuters.
Sachin Ghule raises demand for water pipeline
Local leader Sachin Ghule (Patil) addressed the gathering and emphasised the need for a long-term solution.
“We have submitted a letter to the PMC Commissioner demanding a separate water pipeline for Undri, NIBM, Mohammadwadi and Pisoli. The lack of a proper water supply has increased tanker movement, which is now putting lives at risk,” he said.
Expressing grief over the recent incidents, he added, “It is very painful. Every child is our child, and every woman is like my sister. We will fight for their rights.”
Ghule also said that the issue was discussed with MP Supriya Sule during her recent visit to Undri.
Corporator Nivrutti Anna Bandal assures action
PMC corporator Nivrutti Anna Bandal termed the incidents unfortunate and linked them to infrastructure gaps in the area.
“This is a serious issue caused by the water crisis. These areas were included in PMC recently, but earlier there was no proper development,” he said.
Bandal further stated that he has submitted the necessary applications to the Pune Municipal Corporation and to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
“Around 500 tankers move through these roads daily, which is dangerous,” he added.
He assured residents that steps are being taken to address the situation.
“Work on a separate water pipeline will begin within two to three months, and road improvement work, especially in Mohammadwadi, will be carried out within a month,” Bandal said.
Protest highlights key civic demands
During the protest, residents demanded a dedicated water supply pipeline, reduction in water tanker traffic, regulation of heavy vehicle movement in residential areas, and immediate road repairs along with safety measures.
The protest remained peaceful, with residents observing silence to mark their grief while urging authorities to take swift action on the issue.
