Pune: In a city-wide effort to curb illegal water usage, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has removed several unauthorised electric pumps and water connections in areas including Viman Nagar and Kondhawe-Dhawade. The operation, led by the Bund Garden water supply department, took place between April 17 and May 6.
Officials dismantled five electric pumps illegally connected to pipelines at Kailas Super Market and the SRA housing complex in Viman Nagar. In addition, two pumps attached to unauthorised water taps at local cafés and restaurants were confiscated. Two more illegal connections using ¾-inch pipes were also disconnected in Suprabhat Society, Somnathnagar, Lane No. 2.
PMC’s Water Supply Superintendent Engineer, Indrabhan Randive, stated that the department is actively inspecting areas suspected of tampering with water supply infrastructure. He confirmed that any equipment found violating regulations will be seized and fines imposed.
Following complaints about low water pressure in the Kondhawe-Dhawade area, the PMC had previously taken action by seizing 20 electric pumps from Manojya Residency and surrounding localities in Khadakwasla. These pumps were found to be directly drawing water from municipal lines, significantly affecting the water pressure for other residents.
“These unauthorised pumps were disrupting normal water supply,” said Branch Engineer Rohan Kapse. Deputy Engineer Santosh Lanjekar noted that the action followed citizen complaints, and that the water supply will be closely monitored moving forward. He also mentioned that seized pumps will be returned only after applicable penalties are paid.
The PMC has appealed to citizens not to use electric pumps directly on water supply lines and warned of ongoing inspections in all city zones to prevent further misuse.
