Pune, 3rd April 2026: Despite receiving adequate water from the Bhama Askhed project, Viman Nagar in Pune is facing a severe and what residents call an 'artificial' water shortage due to poor distribution and lack of coordination within the water supply department.
Around 60 housing societies have been affected, with irregular supply, low pressure, and uneven distribution persisting for several days.
The situation has forced the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to restart water tanker services in the area, highlighting the failure of proper planning and execution. Residents complain that even when water is available, it is not reaching households efficiently.
Adding to the frustration, citizens allege that officials are unresponsive. Phone calls often go unanswered, and when contacted, authorities provide vague or evasive responses, frequently shifting responsibility between departments.
The crisis has sparked public anger, with residents from Yamuna Nagar and MHADA Colony warning of a 'handa morcha' (pot protest) if the water supply is not restored promptly.
Local representatives Aishwarya Pathare and Rambhau Dabhade held a meeting at the regional office with society members to understand the issue and instructed officials to resolve it urgently. Meanwhile, around 20 water tankers were deployed to Viman Nagar to provide temporary relief.
Residents have also raised serious allegations, claiming that illegal water connections to commercial establishments like washing centers are worsening the shortage. They accuse certain officials of involvement and demand a thorough inquiry and suspension of those responsible.
Many residents, especially daily wage workers, say the crisis has disrupted their routines, forcing them to spend hours waiting for water or relying on tankers.
In a surprising statement, Junior Engineer Ishwar Dhamale attributed the issue to staff managing 29 water tanks in the constituency, claiming that mismanagement at that level is preventing Viman Nagar tanks from being filled. He also admitted that senior officials are often unreachable and could not confirm when normal supply would resume.
