Pune, 25 April 2026: Corporators have taken an aggressive stand against builders who break the promise of water supply to housing societies despite submitting affidavits for the same. The issue was raised during the general body meeting of the municipal corporation, highlighting the worsening water scarcity in the city.
Corporator Sachin Dodke questioned how many developers have been penalized for violating their commitments. Builders typically submit affidavits stating they will provide water at their own cost until the municipal supply becomes available.
However, once possession is handed over, many developers stop supplying water, leaving residents dependent on expensive tanker services.
Dodke said, "Builders give an affidavit promising water supply until civic connections are available, but once possession is handed over, they withdraw responsibility. This forces societies to spend huge amounts on tanker water. Strict action must be taken, and tanker expenses should be recovered from such developers."
Other corporators, including Arvind Shinde and Prithviraj Sutar, also raised concerns. They pointed out that citizens often purchase flats based on assurances backed by municipal approvals. Despite the absence of proper water supply, occupancy certificates are issued, raising serious questions about accountability.
City Engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar explained that Pune’s rapid expansion to nearly 500 square kilometres has put immense pressure on infrastructure. Work under schemes like AMRUT and the equal water supply project is ongoing in newly merged areas, but it will take time to complete.
Pawaskar said, "To prevent citizens from being misled, the builders’ water supply affidavits are now available on the municipal website. We are also working on a policy to take legal action against developers who fail to comply with their commitments."
Taking serious note of the issue, Mayor Manjusha Nagpure directed the administration to present a comprehensive policy.
Nagpure said, "The administration must present a clear policy detailing actions taken so far and the future roadmap regarding builder commitments and water supply responsibilities."
