Pune: A major irregularity in Pune’s water supply system has come to light, as nearly 400 daily water tanker trips are being conducted without the knowledge of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) engineers. The unauthorized water distribution has resulted in significant financial losses for the civic body, prompting strict new guidelines from the Water Supply Department.
PMC provides free water tankers for essential needs and to newly included villages where regular supply is unavailable. The civic body spends ₹15 crore annually on tanker services, ensuring nearly 1,000 daily trips to areas like Phursungi, Uruli Devachi, Pisoli, Undri, Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, and Wagholi.
However, an alarming issue has emerged. Tankers are being dispatched without engineers’ approval, making it difficult for PMC officials to verify if the water was actually delivered. This has raised concerns over corruption and mismanagement, as some contractors allegedly divert water for commercial sale outside PMC limits.
No Payment for Unauthorized Tanker Trips
Under PMC’s policy, contractors receive ₹1,140 per trip after submitting invoices for verified deliveries. However, many tanker operators are reportedly influenced by political leaders, and tankers are being deployed based on politicians’ directives rather than PMC guidelines.
To curb these malpractices, the Water Supply Department has now ordered that payments will not be released for any unauthorized tanker trips.
GPS Tracking and Daily Inspection Made Mandatory
Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of PMC’s Water Supply Department, has issued strict monitoring orders to ensure transparency. While all PMC tankers have GPS tracking, reports were previously reviewed only during billing. Going forward, PMC officials must inspect at least 10% of daily tanker trips to verify deliveries.
Junior engineers will now be responsible for checking if each tanker reached its designated location before approving payments. This new enforcement aims to prevent financial losses and ensure that citizens receive their rightful water supply.