Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a police complaint against a water tanker operator who supplied treated sewage water from a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to the Nyati Elysia Society in Kharadi. The incident has sparked concerns about water quality and public health.

The Nyati Elysia Society, which depends on 40-45 tankers daily due to inadequate water supply, recently noticed irregularities in the water delivered. Residents reported foul-smelling and contaminated water, with some falling ill. Upon inquiry, the supplier, Shriram Water Supplier, confessed to delivering treated sewage water from an STP.

When questioned by society members, the tanker operator allegedly intimidated them and blocked the society’s entrance with a tanker. Following a formal complaint by the society, PMC officials visited the site and began legal proceedings against the operator.

In response to the incident, PMC has reinforced its regulation requiring STP water tankers to be painted green and display a warning message stating, "This is treated water and is not safe for drinking." Officials instructed that only green-painted tankers bearing this message will be allowed to fill water from STPs.

PMC’s water supply head, Nandakishor Jagtap, urged citizens to be cautious while ordering water tankers. He advised verifying that the tanker complies with PMC’s guidelines and contacting PMC helplines if there are doubts about water quality. Citizens can also send water samples for testing at PMC laboratories to ensure safety.