Pimpri: Housing societies in Punawale are grappling with severe water shortages, forcing residents to rely on costly private tankers for months. The crisis, caused by falling borewell water levels, has intensified since February, with no substantial action from the municipal corporation despite multiple complaints.
Among the worst affected is YashONE Infinitee Society, which has 1,000 apartments and nearly 5,000 residents. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) supplies only 140,000 liters of water every alternate day—an inadequate amount that barely meets the community’s needs. As a result, the society purchases 18 to 20 water tankers daily, costing between ₹4 to ₹5 lakh per month.
Water Crisis Persists Year-Round
Residents report that this shortage is not just a summer issue but continues throughout the year. Even during the monsoon, the society requires 20 to 25 tankers per month. In 2024 alone, ₹23 lakh has already been spent on purchasing tanker water. Despite numerous complaints, society members claim that the municipal corporation has failed to take any corrective measures to improve water supply.
Growing Burden on Residents
According to Vitthal Baral, Secretary of YashONE Infinitee Society, nearly 35% of the society’s maintenance funds are being used for water procurement. He criticized the lack of municipal intervention, stating:
"We have repeatedly raised complaints, but instead of addressing them, the authorities have dismissed them. The municipal commissioner has promised 24-hour water supply, but even with alternate-day supply, we don’t receive sufficient water. We are not demanding round-the-clock supply, but we at least need enough water every day."
Efforts for Sustainable Solutions
While the society is taking proactive measures such as wastewater recycling, rainwater harvesting, optimized landscaping, and reducing excessive water use, these initiatives cannot fully compensate for the shortfall in municipal supply.
Saurabh Bidwai, President of the Society, expressed his frustration over the situation: "On one hand, Pimpri-Chinchwad has been awarded as Maharashtra’s best municipal corporation, yet on the other, we are struggling daily for a basic necessity like water. Despite implementing conservation measures, we are forced to spend our own money to purchase tanker water."
