Pune: The three overhead tanks at NIBM Annexe Road in Mohammadwadi may soon fill with water after years, but residents of nearby housing societies are skeptical about how and when the supply will reach their homes. Many residents have applied to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for pipeline connections, a process that could take time. Others said builders had provided connections earlier, but they were unaware whether the system would function properly.
Residents Voice Concerns
Ashok Mahendale, a resident of Raheja Reserve on NIBM Annexe Road, said, "There are 13 buildings in our complex. Next week, we will apply online for the PMC pipeline connection. The process is cumbersome, requiring all kinds of documents, including a plan attested by a certified plumber. We can expect the work to start once the PMC's approval comes. Overhead tanks are scheduled to be filled with water by May 10. However, we are unsure of when the supply will reach our homes."
A resident of VTP Celesta Housing Society, located right next to the overhead tanks, said, "Our builder had applied for a civic connection, and we have the documents. However, we do not know when the supply will start, reach the taps, or if it will be sufficient for all households. Our struggle with water supply began when we moved here in 2022."
Long-Term Struggles
Kishor Baligar, secretary of Dorabjee Paradise Bungalow Society, said the civic pipeline in front of the society was not yet operational. "We have set up a system to pull water from the society tanks to each house. We can be sure of the overhead tank water supply only when it starts and tankers stop coming. Our society needs 10 tankers a day, and we have been living like this for 14 years. We are hoping to get rid of tankers for good," he said.
Sushil Sharma, chairman of Urban Space (phase 1) housing society, said there was no clarity on the supply system. "We are arranging the documents and will apply for a pipeline connection for the society next week. However, we do not know the status of pipeline work to other societies in our area or how many of them stand to benefit. Years ago, pipelines were laid in front of our housing complex. We have no information whether these are the ones to be used to supply civic water or different ones will be laid," Sharma said.
Call for Action
Tara Singh, president of Anandvan Parisar Residents Foundation, emphasized that the water supply must start first. "There will be several challenges, including whether the water is sufficient for all housing societies, as some are huge. We are unaware if pumping of water will continue without hassles and if the PMC has done the pipeline work properly. We are thinking of holding an event, but only after the tank water reaches our taps without further hiccups," he said.
A resident of Raheja Vista phase 1 housing society, one of the oldest, said they also need to apply for a PMC pipeline connection. "I look after the management of two buildings in the society, and we need around five water tankers daily. It is doubtful that water supply will start from the overhead tanks the moment we apply. There will be formalities in addition to some real work," the resident said.
Broader Responsibility
Social worker Jaymala Dhankikar said, "Ideally, it is the builder's job to provide water to societies. They must get permission from the PMC, ensure when the supply will start, and make arrangements until that happens. Although this should be done at the time of flat possession, it often is not. Residents continue to buy water from tanker operators without questioning builders. Furthermore, why does the civic body grant permission to construct, despite knowing the on-ground situation? Everyone is responsible for the mess, including the PMC."
