Pune: Autade-Handewadi Residents Launch Two-Day Protest Over Water Shortage And Frequent Power Cuts
Pune: Autade-Handewadi Residents Launch Two-Day Protest Over Water Shortage And Frequent Power Cuts
Pune, May 8, 2026: Residents of Autade-Handewadi in Pune have launched a two-day protest against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), demanding regular drinking water supply and uninterrupted electricity in the area.
The agitation has been organised by the Handewadi Residents Association with support from more than 30 housing societies. Residents said thousands of families in the locality are facing severe hardship due to inadequate civic infrastructure and repeated power disruptions.
According to locals, the absence of a reliable water supply has forced many societies to depend heavily on private water tankers, while recurring electricity outages have increased spending on backup power systems. Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints and follow-ups with authorities, the issues remain unresolved.
As part of the agitation, residents gathered at Handewadi Chowk on Thursday morning. A symbolic “antim yatra” protest against PMC and MSEDCL has been planned for May 9 at 9 am, followed by a dharna protest later in the day at 4 pm.
Residents from several housing societies said the ongoing infrastructure problems have created financial as well as physical stress for families living in the rapidly growing suburban area.
Meanwhile, during a recent meeting between residents, PMC Additional Commissioner Pavneet Kaur and officials from the water supply department, authorities reportedly agreed to prepare a temporary plan to provide water through the Bhujbal water tank. Officials also discussed a long-term proposal for establishing a permanent water pipeline network in the area.
The protest is being led by Ashish Ingale, Rohan Jatkar, Anand Kambale, Vinod Shinde and Pranay Patil along with residents from the participating housing societies.
