Pune, 17th June 2026: Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) fixing official charges for new water connections, residents and housing societies continue to face excessive demands from private plumbers and agents. Several complaints have surfaced about people being asked to pay tens of thousands of rupees over and above the approved fees.
The issue has come to the fore in Mohammadwadi, where the Equal Water Supply Scheme recently became operational after the inauguration of water tanks by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Although these tanks were constructed several years ago, water supply could not begin earlier because the required transmission pipelines had not been laid.
Following the launch of the project, societies seeking new water connections have reportedly been asked to pay around ₹50,000 or more to plumbers, apart from the cost of materials. As a result, many housing societies have had to spend substantial amounts to obtain new connections.
After receiving complaints about excessive charges, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram directed the Water Supply Department to publish an official fee structure. The civic administration clarified that only the charges approved by the General Body should be collected, and no additional fees should be demanded for obtaining a new water connection.
PMC has separately fixed security deposits and connection charges for domestic, commercial and institutional users. However, residents claim that agents and middlemen continue to mislead applicants and collect extra money. Although the civic body has warned of action against such individuals, no action has been taken so far.
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s Water Supply Department, said, “Citizens should pay only the charges approved by the corporation along with the actual cost of materials required for the work. If any plumber demands additional money, residents should report the matter to the PMC. The list of licensed plumbers is available on the PMC website.”
