Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has expressed shock over allegations that contractors and plumbers are fleecing residents in Mohammadwadi, NIBM Road Annexe, and parts of Undri for water connections. Speaking to TOI from New Delhi on Monday, Ram assured that relief would be provided soon.
Commissioner's Response
Ram stated, "I don't understand how so much money can be taken from residents in the name of water connections. They are getting water after years and have been paying water tax, too." He confirmed he would take up the issue immediately after returning to Pune on Tuesday.
Residents' Complaints
The issue came to light during a meeting between residents and PMC officials on Saturday, where several residents alleged that plumbers are demanding up to Rs 50,000 as fees to set up each new water connection from overhead tanks. Residents have been paying water tax but are being charged illegally for connections.
Jaymala Dhankikar, a social worker and resident of NIBM Road Annexe, said she had written to the municipal commissioner. "The matter is serious and needs immediate attention. Many societies have claimed that plumbers are asking for huge amounts for every water connection, which is illegal. The PMC must intervene immediately," she said.
MLA's Visit
On Monday morning, Hadapsar MLA Chetan Tupe, along with PMC officials and other authorities, visited the site of three overhead water tanks and interacted with residents. He heard complaints and assured them that discussions with the PMC would take place soon.
Kishor Baligar, secretary of the Dorabjee Paradise bungalow society, said the discussions were positive but implementation needs to happen quickly. "We asked the MLA why residents who already have water connections but no supply are being asked to submit so many documents. We also raised the issue of fleecing. The MLA assured us that those with existing water connections would only need to submit an application," he said.
Long-standing Issues
Baligar pointed out that several societies had installed water connections as far back as 2014 but were still not receiving supply. Residents also questioned why building permissions were granted without ensuring water availability. "The MLA said the issue had been discussed multiple times in the PMC, but without any concrete resolution," Baligar added.
Another resident, requesting anonymity, said PMC officials informed them that water supply would begin in phases over the next fortnight rather than simultaneously. The resident added that after twin tanker accidents in April, several politicians and corporators visited the area, each trying to take credit for the water supply project. "But the reality is that this became possible mainly because of the sustained fight by residents and local associations," the resident said.
