Install Water Meters Or Face Supply Cut: PMC Warns Housing Societies In Pune
Pune News: PMC To Launch Pilot Project For Metered Water Billing In Residential Areas
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a stern warning to housing societies refusing to install water meters, stating that their water supply will be cut off if they continue to resist the installation.
Though the city’s equitable water supply project is in its final phase, nearly one lakh societies have yet to install water meters. Due to resistance at several locations, progress has been slow. Taking a firm stand, the PMC has begun sending notices to non-compliant societies, clearly stating: “Allow water meter installation or face disconnection.”
The equitable water supply scheme was initiated in 2017–18 and was expected to be completed by 2022. However, even after three years, the project remains incomplete. Key pending work includes laying 100 km of pipelines, installing 23 water tanks, and fitting over one lakh water meters—most of which is delayed in the cantonment areas due to contractor disputes. In other city zones, much of the work is nearing completion.
To monitor and control water distribution, PMC decided to mandate water meters for all housing societies and commercial establishments. Each meter costs approximately ₹8,500, and around 1.8 lakh have already been installed. In places where meters are functional, they have helped track water usage and detect leakages, significantly reducing wastage.
Despite repeated appeals, many societies and bungalow owners have refused to cooperate. “Even after several rounds of persuasion, residents continue to oppose meter installation,” said PMC officials. As a result, the administration has decided to take strict action. Societies that continue to resist will have their water supply disconnected. Notices to this effect will now be issued by the water supply department, said Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of the PMC’s Water Supply Department.
Details from the Notice:
The PMC notice highlights that under the equitable water supply project, citizens have not been cooperating with the installation of AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) meters on existing connections. Resistance has made it difficult to measure water supplied via overhead tanks or to detect leakages. Accurate measurement is essential to reduce water loss and ensure consistent pressure in supply. Therefore, the notice warns that if residents do not cooperate, the PMC will be forced to cut the water supply without any further warning.
