Enough is Enough: Undri–Mohammadwadi Residents Demand PMC Water Supply Network As Crisis Deepens Amid Tanker Strike
Enough is Enough: Undri–Mohammadwadi Residents Demand PMC Water Supply Network As Crisis Deepens Amid Tanker Strike
Pune, April 15, 2026: A severe water crisis has gripped over 100 housing societies in Undri and Mohammadwadi after private water tanker operators suspended services from 10 am yesterday, leaving thousands of residents without access to basic water supply.
The disruption has exposed the heavy dependence of these areas on private tankers due to the absence of a functional pipeline network in newly merged villages under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
By early morning, several societies reported completely exhausted water reserves. Palace Orchard Society, which typically relies on approximately 25 tanker deliveries daily, ran out of water by yesterday evening. Similarly, another society in Mohammadwadi, dependent on around 12 tankers a day, reported an alarming situation, particularly affecting senior citizens and patients.
Residents described scenes of distress as families began rationing limited water supplies. Daily routines have been severely disrupted, with many forced to prioritize drinking water over essential household needs such as cooking and sanitation.
Despite repeated concerns, residents allege that PMC has failed to take timely cognisance of the crisis. Many pointed out that despite being regular taxpayers, they have been compelled for years to depend on costly private tanker services due to lack of civic infrastructure.
When contacted, Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the water department at PMC, stated, “We shall take a call today,” offering little immediate relief to affected residents.
The situation has triggered strong reactions from citizens, with some terming it a “triple-engine government failure,” referring to alignment between municipal and state authorities. However, several residents clarified that their grievance is not against tanker operators.
“The tanker lobby is only doing business. The responsibility lies with PMC to ensure water supply, whether through pipelines or alternative arrangements,” said a resident.
With no immediate solution in sight, residents across affected societies are now planning a large-scale protest. Many have proposed gathering and marching to the PMC office, potentially as early as today or tomorrow, to demand urgent intervention.
Citizens have warned that if water supply is not restored promptly, the protests will intensify. They have also stressed that the administration must provide interim tanker arrangements until permanent pipeline infrastructure is developed.
Residents further highlighted that prolonged neglect of basic water infrastructure has already had serious consequences, alleging that lives have been lost due to the ongoing crisis.
As tensions rise, the spotlight remains firmly on PMC and the state government to address the emergency and prevent further escalation.
