Rs 34 Lakh Unpaid Electricity Bill Cuts Water Supply and Threatens Lift Shutdown in Pune Police Colony
Shivajinagar, 1st February 2025: Residents of the 22-storey buildings in Shivajinagar Police Colony have been struggling without water for the past two days after the electricity supply to water pumps was cut off due to unpaid bills. Police families residing in the buildings have urged authorities to settle the dues immediately to restore essential services.
The two high-rises, named Rajgad and Shivneri, were constructed four years ago, replacing the old chawls within the Shivajinagar Police Headquarters. These were the first skyscrapers built for police personnel in Maharashtra, a project initiated under the tenure of then Police Commissioner K. Venkatesham.
Electricity in the buildings is supplied through three separate meters, covering water pumps, lifts, and common areas, with the bills being paid by the Police Commissioner’s Office on behalf of the government.
However, since April 2024, payments have not been made, leading to MSEDCL disconnecting the power supply for the water pumps.
With no water for daily use, residents—especially women—are bearing the brunt of the situation. Families are now forced to carry water from the ground floor, causing distress among police personnel who work round the clock.
Residents fear the elevator supply will also be cut off in the next two days, raising concerns about accessibility, especially for those living on the upper floors.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Sandeep Bhajibhakare, the total pending electricity bill for the water supply meter stands at ₹34 lakh, of which ₹17 lakh has been paid by the Police Commissioner’s Office. The remaining amount is yet to be cleared by the government.
“The issue will be resolved soon,” assured Bhajibhakare, but until then, residents continue to struggle with basic necessities.
