Pune: Residents applying for new water connections from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have long faced bureaucratic hurdles, documentation challenges, and unnecessary delays.

However, in a major relief, the PMC has now announced that all applications for new water connections will be approved within three days, provided the necessary documents are in order.

After the formation of the new state government, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed all government departments, municipal corporations, and district councils to implement measures that enhance service delivery and ensure transparency. As part of this initiative, PMC has been given a seven-point program to improve efficiency.

Until now, citizens seeking a new water connection were required to submit multiple documents, including:

• Application form

• Proof of property ownership

• Approved building plan

• Colony water line details

• Development and occupancy certificates

• Previous water bill (if applicable)

• Owner’s identity and address proof

• Plumber’s certification

• Water connection site map

• Guarantee letter

Even if one document was missing, the application was rejected, leading to an increase in unauthorized water connections.

To resolve this issue, PMC has reduced the number of required documents for a water connection. Now, applicants only need to provide property ownership proof and property tax registration. If these documents are in order, the approval process will be completed within three days.

The circular clarifies that the three-day timeframe applies only to administrative approval. The actual installation of the water connection will require additional time. Furthermore, PMC will maintain a dedicated record of newly granted water connections under this scheme.