Pune: AAP Alleges Tanker Lobby Profiting Amid Severe Water Crisis In 32 Newly Merged Villages
Mumbai-Pune Expressway Toll Refund Promised After 32-Hour Gas Tanker Standstill
Pune, November 10, 2025: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised serious allegations against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), claiming that officials and intermediaries are working to benefit the tanker lobby instead of addressing the severe water shortage affecting the 32 newly merged villages within PMC limits.
According to the party, thousands of residents in these areas are facing an acute water crisis, forcing them to depend on private tankers. AAP’s Pune city president, Dhananjay Benkar, has submitted a memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, demanding the cancellation of the ₹48 crore tanker water supply contract and an immediate inquiry into the contractor’s operations.
Benkar alleged that PMC has failed to provide basic facilities like water, roads, and waste management in the merged villages adjoining Pune city. Areas such as Dhayari, Shivne, Narhe, Ambegaon, and Lohegaon are reportedly plagued by large-scale illegal water connections. Many workers have been posted in the same locations for over a decade, and several unauthorized connections were allegedly provided in exchange for bribes by former corporators and officials.
As a result, citizens receive irregular and insufficient water supply — in some dense localities, water is available only once every four to five days, while many areas receive none at all. Meanwhile, some societies and localities allegedly get an ample water supply in exchange for money.
AAP has demanded strict action against those involved in supporting the tanker lobby, including corrupt officials and staff members who facilitate illegal water distribution. The party has also urged the PMC to take urgent and planned measures to resolve the ongoing crisis and prepare for the upcoming summer months.
Failing to do so, AAP warned, could lead to widespread public agitation.
Present during the submission:Â
Dhananjay Benkar (Pune City President), Kiran Kadre (Spokesperson), Sunil Saude (Secretary), Niranjan Adagale (Media Co-coordinator), Nikhil Khandare (Youth Vice President), and Krishna Kapoor.
