Pune: Mohammadwadi Residents Demand Cancellation Of Proposed PMC Tanker Filling Station

Pune, July 1, 2026: Hundreds of residents from NIBM Annexe and Mohammadwadi on Wednesday staged a massive protest against the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) proposed water tanker filling station near Raheja Reserve and Raheja Vista Premier, alleging that the project would worsen traffic congestion, endanger public safety and go against the State government’s promise of making the locality “tanker-free.”

Residents from Sainik Vihar, Raheja Circle Societies, Dorabjee Paradise, Ganga Kingston, Ganga Florentina, Elina Living, Gemini Park Avenue and several neighbouring housing societies gathered near the main gate of Towers 12 and 13 to oppose the project. Senior PMC officials, police officers and local corporators were present during the protest.

The agitation follows growing resentment over ongoing excavation and infrastructure works in the area. Residents alleged that water pipeline and drainage works have remained incomplete for several days, leaving deep open trenches, exposed water mains and debris scattered across the road without adequate barricading, posing a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians.

At the centre of the controversy is the proposed construction of a water tanker filling station on a civic amenity plot near the entrance of Raheja Vista B2 and adjacent to Raheja Reserve. Residents argued that the proposal directly contradicts Maharashtra Chief Minister’s announcement during the inauguration of the Mohammadwadi water supply project that the locality would become a tanker-free zone.

Former PMC Education Board member Ashok Keshav Mehendale said, “The Chief Minister assured citizens that Mohammadwadi would become tanker-free. Instead of strengthening the pipeline network, the Municipal Corporation is planning another tanker filling station. Residents strongly oppose this move and demand that the work be stopped immediately.”

According to residents, despite the inauguration of the new water supply project, municipal water remains irregular, muddy and supplied at low pressure, forcing several housing societies to continue depending on private tankers.

Raj Singh, one of the organisers of the protest, said, “The area is already witnessing severe traffic congestion because of rapid urbanisation and commercial development. Bringing 100 to 200 additional water tankers into this locality every day will only make the situation worse. We want the PMC to immediately stop the work and identify an alternative location.”

Residents also pointed out that the proposed site is barely 100 metres from Vibgyor School, where heavy traffic is witnessed every morning and afternoon because of school buses and parents’ vehicles. They warned that frequent movement of heavy tankers through the area would significantly increase the risk of accidents.

They further alleged that debris is being dumped near an adjoining storm-water drain, raising fears of flooding during heavy monsoon rains.

Addressing the gathering, local corporators assured residents that the tanker filling station would not be permitted.

Corporator Ward 41 Mohamadwadi Undri Nivrutti Bandal said, “I stand firmly with the residents. No water tanker filling station will be allowed at this location. We will ensure the citizens’ voice is respected.”

Corporator Prachi Alhat said, “The safety of residents and schoolchildren cannot be compromised. We oppose the proposed tanker point and will pursue the matter with the PMC until the proposal is withdrawn.”

Corporator Shweta Ghule said, “This civic amenity plot should be developed for public facilities and not converted into a tanker depot. We support the residents’ demand.”

Corporator Atul Tarawade assured the gathering, saying, “We are united on this issue. The proposed tanker filling station will not be allowed to come up here. We will take up the matter with the civic administration at every level.”

Tara Singh, President of Anandvan Parisar Nagarik Manch, said, “People from across Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe have united because this project directly affects public safety and quality of life. We expect the PMC to respect the sentiments of citizens.”

Social activist Rajiv Hemmady also backed the protest and urged the PMC to identify an alternative location for any emergency tanker operations outside densely populated residential neighbourhoods.

The protesters demanded immediate cancellation of the proposed tanker filling station, restoration of dug-up roads, installation of proper barricades around excavation sites, protection of the adjoining storm-water drain and implementation of a reliable pipeline-based water supply system instead of expanding tanker operations. Residents said they would continue their agitation if the PMC failed to withdraw the proposal.