Residents of Vadgaon Sheri and Kharadi are grappling with an acute water shortage, forcing them to search for alternative sources. The crisis has sparked protests from citizens and political leaders, prompting discussions in the Assembly. In response, the Speaker has directed officials to submit a report on the situation. Meanwhile, allegations have emerged regarding unauthorized water diversion in Vadgaon Sheri, with claims that local valve operators are illegally redirecting supply to Ghorpadi and Tadigutta.
The water supply issue has been traced to the Cantonment Water Centre, which distributes 70 million liters per day (MLD) to Vadgaon Sheri and Kharadi. A pipeline designed specifically for Tadigutta and Ghorpadi was fitted with a valve. However, according to reports, certain water supply officials have facilitated illegal connections, channeling approximately 1.5 lakh liters of water daily to these areas. This diversion has left Vadgaon Sheri residents struggling with inadequate supply.
Despite clear instructions prohibiting unauthorized connections to the express pipeline, four illegal connections have reportedly been established. Residents have accused municipal officials of ignoring directives and failing to take corrective measures. Attempts to reach Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the water supply department, have been unsuccessful, further fueling public frustration.
The water shortage has severely affected multiple areas, including Vadgaon Sheri, Sanjay Park, Viman Nagar, MHADA Colony, SRA localities, Kulkarni Garage, Yamunanagar, Rajiv Gandhi North and South, parts of Vishrantwadi, Dhanori, Lohegaon, Chandan Nagar, Kharadi, Nagar Road, Shejwal Park, Kalubai Nagar, Thite Vasti, Thite Nagar, Rajaram Nagar, Dutta Mandir area in Chandan Nagar, Vrindavan Society, Ganpati Housing Society, Satav Vasti, Chaudhary Vasti, Kranti Park, Anusaya Park, Aaple Ghar, Tulja Bhavani Nagar, Borate Vasti, Dinkar Pathare Vasti, and Pathare-Thube Nagar.
Frustrated residents and activists claim the crisis is a result of poor long-term planning by political leaders. Galande emphasized that every five minutes, around 1.5 lakh liters—amounting to over 60–70 lakh liters daily—is being redirected to Ghorpadi and Tadigutta. He has vowed to launch a protest if the illegal connections are not shut by March 23.
Residents now await urgent intervention, hoping for immediate action to restore their rightful access to water.
