PUNE: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has suspended water supply to 24 housing societies this month due to their failure to operate sewage treatment plants (STPs), despite multiple warnings. Additionally, 16 housing complexes have been fined ₹10,000 each for discharging wastewater into stormwater drains.
PCMC has issued a warning that more housing societies may encounter similar penalties if they do not adhere to regulations.
According to civic regulations, residential complexes with over 100 flats or a total built-up area exceeding 20,000 sqm are required to install STPs, treat sewage on-site, and reuse the treated water for non-potable purposes such as gardening and toilet flushing.
Yogesh Alhat, executive engineer of PCMC’s environment department, stated that a list of 62 non-compliant societies was compiled last month after they ignored three notices. “Consequently, we began disconnecting water supply as a penalty. More societies could face similar actions soon,” he said, adding that fines were imposed for every notice issued.
Civic officials noted that some societies have requested additional time to repair and restart their STPs. “In genuine cases, extensions of about two weeks have been granted to ensure compliance,” remarked an official.
Officials pointed out that the efficient reuse of treated water would decrease reliance on fresh water supply, making more water available for other residents. The PCMC has also assigned a dedicated team to monitor compliance and enforce regulations.
The initiative has not only targeted private housing complexes but has also included government facilities. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) headquarters in Akurdi has been issued notices for a non-operational STP. Recent visits by PCMC officials aimed at disconnecting the water supply were met with a request from PMRDA for extra time, as they stated repairs had been completed and trial runs were underway.
However, representatives of housing societies have criticized the civic body, asserting that residential complexes are being unfairly singled out. Sachin Londhe, a member of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, highlighted that residents are already facing escalating costs related to water tankers and STP maintenance.
“The operating costs of STPs are substantial. Often, builders have not turned over fully functioning systems to societies, despite receiving completion certificates from PCMC. Residents are being penalized for issues beyond their control,” he stated.
Londhe also raised concerns about the corporation’s own compliance, alleging that untreated sewage is being discharged from PCMC’s treatment facility in Pimple Nilakh. “If the municipal corporation’s own STPs are failing, who will hold them accountable?” he questioned.
