Vimannagar in Pune is grappling with a worsening water crisis, leaving residents heavily dependent on costly private water tankers as the regular supply from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has become both erratic and insufficient
Residents report that PMC water supply has dropped to just 1–1.5 hours per day, often at very low pressure-down from the previous 2–3.5 hours. Many housing societies are forced to order 7–12 tankers daily just to meet basic needs. The cost of utility water tankers has risen to ₹1,000 each, with drinking water tankers costing three times more. Societies have hiked monthly maintenance by up to ₹2,500 per flat to cover tanker expenses. Even the limited PMC water is often smelly and discolored, raising concerns about safety.
Falling groundwater levels mean even borewell water is scarce, and tanker deliveries are frequently delayed or unavailable.Societies are forced to ration water, limiting supply to specific hours and urging residents to use water sparingly.Despite high demand, tanker supply is sometimes insufficient, leaving residents without water until the next day’s PMC delivery
PMC acknowledges the crisis, citing lower water levels in main tanks and unexplained supply cuts between 9 am and 12 pm daily. Investigations are ongoing to identify the root cause. The PMC has also launched drives to remove illegal water connections and pumps in Vimannagar to protect the strained supply. New water tanks constructed in the area remain non-operational due to overall shortages, with commissioning postponed until the monsoon.
Residents express frustration at the recurring crisis, noting that every summer brings the same ordeal, with no lasting solution in sight. Many are calling for urgent, sustainable water management policies and infrastructure upgrades to prevent Vimannagar from becoming unlivable.
