Pune, 21 March 2026: The dispute between the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Irrigation Department over pending water dues has intensified, with the issue now reaching the Chief Minister’s office. A crucial meeting is expected soon to find a resolution and avoid any impact on Pune’s water supply.
The Irrigation Department has demanded ₹950 crore from PMC and issued a notice for immediate payment. It has also warned that failure to clear the dues could result in a disruption of water supply, raising concerns across the city.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram clarified that PMC lifts water for civic use and pays charges based on domestic and commercial rates as per an existing agreement. However, he said the Irrigation Department has been billing at higher industrial rates and adding penalties, which has inflated the dues.
“PMC draws water for civic use and pays charges as per agreed domestic and commercial rates. However, the Irrigation Department is billing us at industrial rates and adding penalties, which is why the dues have escalated,” he said.
The Commissioner further alleged that the department has been creating hurdles in civic projects. He pointed out that ₹10 crore has been demanded for granting a no-objection certificate for pipeline work near Mitra Mandal Chowk under the 24x7 water supply project, with similar issues affecting other works.
With the matter now set to be discussed at the state level, the upcoming meeting is expected to play a decisive role in resolving the dispute and ensuring uninterrupted water supply to Pune residents.