Pune, 15 April 2026: Water tanker operators have suspended supply in parts of Pune, including Undri, Mohammadwadi and NIBM, in protest against increasing criticism and strict action by traffic authorities.
The suspension on April 15 and 16 has raised concerns of water shortages in these areas, where most housing societies rely heavily on private tankers due to limited or no municipal supply.
The protest follows recent incidents involving tanker drivers, including two fatal accidents earlier this month. In one case, the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol, while another drunk driver was caught by a civic representative. These incidents triggered public outrage and led to intensified enforcement by traffic police.
In response, the traffic police launched a crackdown on tanker operators, inspecting hundreds of vehicles and taking action against violations. Over three days, more than 700 tankers were checked, with several vehicles seized and multiple violations recorded.
The disruption has already started affecting residents. Many societies reported no tanker supply since Tuesday evening, forcing them to rely on stored water.
Residents in Undri have also begun taking precautions, circulating messages within housing societies to reduce water usage in anticipation of prolonged disruption.
With tanker movement being crucial for daily water needs in these areas, the standoff between operators and authorities has left thousands of residents facing uncertainty and possible shortages.