Residents of several housing societies in Pune have raised serious concerns over exorbitant charges demanded by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)-appointed contractors and plumbers for water pipeline connections. The contractors have quoted an astronomical amount of Rs50,000 per connection for providing water supply from overhead tanks to individual homes in areas such as Mohammadwadi, parts of Undri, and NIBM Annexe Road.
Residents Allege Fleecing
During a meeting with PMC officials from the Camp office on Saturday, residents of these societies expressed their frustration, stating that they have been paying water tax to the PMC for years without receiving any water supply. Now that water is finally set to flow, they feel they are being exploited by contractors.
"There needs to be a water connection for every 25 flats. We have been paying water tax to the PMC for years without getting water. Now, water is set to flow, but perils are not over," a resident lamented.
Kishor Baligar, secretary of Dorabjee Paradise Bungalow Society, elaborated on the issue: "We contacted a PMC-listed contractor-cum-plumber for the job. He demanded Rs50,000 per connection. Why should we pay such a huge amount? Shouldn't there be a cap on it? Then why were we taxed for years despite not having water? This is a serious matter and needs immediate intervention."
PMC's Stance on Charges
Residents reported that PMC officials informed them that while every pipeline work has a fixed rate set by the corporation, they are expected to negotiate the charge directly with the plumber or contractor. This has left residents feeling helpless.
Another resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "The PMC officials told us that every work pertaining to pipelines had a rate fixed by the PMC. But strangely, they said we have to negotiate the charge with the plumber or the contractor. These people are fleecing many of us and the PMC isn't taking the responsibility. Some of these plumbers told us that the money goes ‘to everyone’ and they are helpless. This is fleecing people struggling for water for years."
Planned Action by Social Workers
Social worker and NIBM Annexe Road resident Jaymala Dhankikar, along with Tara Singh, president of Anandvan Parisar Residents' Foundation, have announced plans to meet Assistant Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur to discuss the issue of overcharging by plumbers.
"There needs to be a solution. We will discuss the matter in detail with the official possibly next week," Dhankikar stated.
Documentation Concerns
Many residents also questioned the PMC officials about the requirement of 10 documents for obtaining a water connection and sought guidance on how to proceed if some documents are missing. The officials advised that these issues should be presented before senior officials for resolution.
Additionally, residents requested a map from the PMC to ascertain exactly which areas would receive water supply.
PMC Official's Assurance
A PMC official from the Pune Camp office provided an update on the water supply project: "As far as water supply is concerned, the pipeline works are on and water has reached the tanks. Once the proper supply starts, the water coming into the tanks will be tested thoroughly. Then water will start flowing into homes. The whole process should take a fortnight."
Residents hope that the meeting with the assistant municipal commissioner will lead to a cap on charges and a smoother process for obtaining water connections, ending years of struggle for this essential resource.
