Pune: Despite an annual allocation of 22 TMC water from Khadakwasla Dam, many parts of Pune, including newly added villages, face severe water shortages. Private tankers dominate the supply, but their sources and the quality of water remain unverified by the municipal corporation, posing a threat to public health.

Residents in Pune’s older areas and 32 recently incorporated villages depend heavily on private tankers due to insufficient municipal water supply. While the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) initially mandated a no-objection certificate (NOC) for water supply before granting construction permits, it reversed this decision, leaving the municipal corporation responsible. However, the corporation has not yet developed the required water infrastructure in these areas.

This has led to builders selling properties without assured water supply. Although tankers are arranged during construction, residents are left to manage their own water needs later, incurring significant monthly expenses.

In older city limits, allegations of artificial shortages have surfaced. Valve operators reportedly collaborate with private tanker operators to restrict municipal supply, forcing societies to purchase tankers. Residents who pay valve operators are said to receive better water supply, while others face severe shortages.

Adding to the crisis, Pune’s equitable water distribution plan remains incomplete. Of 82 planned water tanks, 51 are constructed but lack pipeline connections, rendering them non-operational. Builders use these tanks as a selling point, misleading buyers into believing they offer 24-hour water supply.

The unavailability of functional water tanks and reliance on private tankers have led to massive monthly expenses for residents, with no resolution in sight.