Pune, 20 January 2026: Following a surge in complaints about sewage mixing with drinking water across several parts of the city, Municipal Corporation (PMC) came into action. To solve the problem, the civic body has approved urgent repair works of ₹20.20 crore.
Over the past few days, residents from multiple localities have reported foul-smelling and contaminated water. In response, PMC has decided to lay separate drinking water and sewage pipelines in affected areas to prevent further contamination.
Funds have been made available under emergency provisions to ensure quick execution of the work.
A detailed survey by the Water Supply Department revealed alarming findings. Areas such as Kondhwa, Shivnerinagar, Bhagyodaynagar, parts of Hadapsar, Santosh Nagar in Katraj, and Anjaninagar were found to have direct mixing of sewage water with potable water lines. Repair work has already begun at several of these locations, officials confirmed.
The administration has become more alert after incidents in cities like Indore and parts of Gujarat, where contaminated water reportedly led to fatalities. Learning from those cases, PMC has decided to act swiftly to avoid any similar situation in Pune.
According to PMC officials, complaints of polluted water are highest in suburban areas and in the 23 old villages now included within municipal limits. Dense population, narrow lanes, and decades-old water and drainage pipelines are the primary reasons.
In many places, water pipelines run beneath sewage lines, increasing the risk of leakage and contamination.
Damage caused by rodents to drainage pipelines has also worsened the situation, allowing sewage to seep into the ground and nearby water lines. The civic body has announced that pipelines will be relocated, repaired, or replaced wherever necessary to ensure safe drinking water supply for citizens.