PUNE: Numerous housing societies in Pimpri Chinchwad are urging the civic authorities to take stringent measures against developers who have allegedly failed to provide water supply despite signed commitments.
Residents referenced recent directives from the divisional commissioner, which cautioned builders against legal ramifications if they do not fulfill their water supply obligations until the municipal network is established. This issue was highlighted during a recent ward-level meeting held by the water supply department for A and K wards.
The Chikhali-Moshi Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Societies Federation has insisted that developers promptly reimburse the costs incurred by residents for private water tankers since 2019. Federation president Sanjeevan Sangale emphasized that many builders pledged in writing to ensure water supply at their own cost during the project approval phase.
“These commitments have largely been breached, imposing a significant financial strain on residents. This is not merely an administrative oversight, but a grave economic injustice,” stated Sangale. He also urged the civic authorities to file criminal charges against non-compliant developers and deny them future construction permissions or completion certificates.
The financial repercussions for residents have been substantial. Vitthal Baral, a member of the Yashone Infinity Society in Punawale, disclosed that his society expended nearly Rs28 lakh on tanker water alone in 2024. “We took possession in 2024. As per regulations, the developer was obligated to supply water, which hasn’t occurred. Over the past two years, we have spent close to Rs40 lakh. This is our hard-earned money, and the corporation must ensure the builder reimburses it,” Baral explained, adding that the society requires 20 to 25 tankers daily during summer.
In response, a senior PCMC official mentioned that for all projects sanctioned after 2019, developers must submit an undertaking to provide water until the civic infrastructure is expanded.
“Following last month’s directives from the divisional commissioner, we are creating a list of such developers. This list will be available on the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) website within a month, enabling residents to verify compliance and report infractions,” the official remarked.
This demand for accountability arose after a meeting led by the divisional commissioner in adherence to high court directives concerning a public interest litigation (PIL) submitted by residents. The commissioner instructed the PMC, PCMC, and PMRDA to take action against defaulting developers and to publish their names online.
Currently, the PCMC is providing water every other day to residents. Civic officials have clarified that a regular supply to new housing societies cannot be guaranteed until the Bhama Askhed water pipeline project is completed, which is anticipated to be by next year.
