PUNE: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced strict measures against developers who fail to supply water to housing societies despite previously submitted commitments.
Officials noted that in areas with insufficient municipal water supply, builders had guaranteed they would provide water to residents until the municipal infrastructure was fully operational. Unfortunately, many complaints have arisen indicating that these commitments have not been met.
The issue was addressed during a meeting at the divisional commissioner’s office, which involved officials from PCMC, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and PMRDA, in relation to a public interest litigation currently pending in the Bombay High Court.
During the meeting, PCMC officials admitted they are unable to provide the promised 100% supply in certain areas due to ongoing projects like the Bhama Askhed scheme, which is projected to add 167 MLD to the water supply. Currently, water is supplied on alternate days from the Pavana Dam (530 MLD) and the Andra Dam (100 MLD), with MIDC contributing 30 MLD.
Officials emphasized that it is mandatory for developers to submit written assurances regarding water supply at their own expense until municipal systems are operational. This must be completed before civic bodies issue completion or possession certificates.
A senior PCMC official stated that the divisional commissioner has instructed authorities to take stringent action against developers who do not comply with their commitments or shift the financial burden onto residents reliant on private water tankers. Additionally, the civic body was directed to publish all pertinent no-objection certificates and undertakings on its official website for residents to access.
Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi remarked, “Developers are legally obligated to meet their commitments. Any violation will be treated seriously, and we will initiate stringent legal action based on resident complaints. The responsibility of the developers will continue until the Bhama Askhed scheme is fully operational.”
While many residents appreciate the civic body’s intervention, some have criticized placing the onus on builders.
Dattatray Deshmukh, President of the Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Societies Federation, stated that it is the municipal corporation’s duty to supply water. “Since the civic body collects water taxes, it must ensure supply. It is unreasonable to rely on private sources for such a basic necessity,” he argued. He insisted that new project approvals should not occur without adequate water arrangements. “If the civic body acknowledges insufficient water supply, they need to clarify how developers will manage this,” Deshmukh added, highlighting that older societies still grapple with water shortages and questioning who they should contact for assistance.
Ravet resident Rahul Shinde voiced his concerns, stating, “It seems like PCMC is pushing for more residential projects despite the inadequate water supply. If this continues, more residents will face hardships, and the civic body must take responsibility. My housing society relies heavily on water tankers each summer, incurring significant costs that neither the builder nor the municipal corporation covers.”
