Pune: The water supply to 21 villages in Mulshi taluka has been completely cut off as the Regional Water Supply Scheme’s electricity was disconnected by the power distribution company due to unpaid bills amounting to ₹49.93 lakh. The lack of payment from residents for their water usage fees has also left the department unable to clear its dues.

The Mulshi Regional Water Supply Scheme is responsible for providing water to villages from Male to Pirangut. Gram panchayats are tasked with collecting water fees from residents and transferring the funds to the water supply department. However, as of now, ₹2.05 crore in water usage fees remain unpaid by these villages, forcing the department into financial difficulties.

Power Disconnection Details

The power distribution company had issued several notices to the water supply department, but the outstanding dues remained unpaid. Eventually, electricity was cut off, halting water pumps in the affected areas.

The power distribution company official said, “The department owes nearly ₹50 lakh in electricity dues. Despite repeated notices over the months, no payments were made, leaving us with no choice but to disconnect the electricity supply.”

Villages Facing Water Crisis

The 21 affected villages and their outstanding dues include Male (₹70,500), Sambhave (₹35,380), Jamgaon (₹1,45,354), Akole (₹1,31,413), and Kondhawale (₹10,33,720), among others. Pirangut alone owes ₹57,66,332, the highest among the villages.

Running the water supply scheme involves substantial costs, including electricity bills, pump maintenance, and other operational expenses. Without the recovery of water usage fees, the department finds it challenging to sustain operations.

“Managing operational costs is impossible without recovering the dues from residents. The scheme involves significant expenses, and until the fees are collected, running the project will remain difficult,” said an official from the Regional Water Supply Scheme.