Pune Municipal Corporation To Charge Penalty for Unpaid Water Bills Amidst Rising Arrears

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is intensifying efforts to address the issue of unpaid water bills by imposing a one percent penalty on defaulters. Despite earlier warnings and notices, many government and semi-government entities have failed to settle their outstanding dues, prompting the PMC to take action. Among the defaulters are several central and state government offices, railways, and the Pune and Khadki cantonments.

Since December 2023, when notices were initially served to clear arrears or face water disconnection, there has been limited compliance from defaulters. Shockingly, a total of 12 government departments collectively owe approximately Rs. 109.99 crore in unpaid water bills. Notably, entities such as the railways, postal department, BSNL, Air Force, and the archaeological department are also on the list of defaulters. State government departments are not exempt either, with 29 of them accumulating dues amounting to Rs. 15.52 crore.

Despite benefiting from essential services like drinking water, these departments have neglected their financial obligations. The PMC has installed around 39,000 water meters in various establishments since 2001, including commercial complexes, industrial units, educational institutions, and hospitality businesses, besides the Pune and Khadki cantonments.

The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) leads the list of defaulters with arrears totaling Rs. 53 crore. This significant debt burden from government offices strains the city’s water supply infrastructure, which relies heavily on revenue from water bills. The PMC supplies drinking water to both central and state government offices primarily through the Bund Garden and Pune Cantonment water supply divisions.

Chief Superintendent of the water supply department, Nandkishor Jagtap, emphasized the need for action amid low compliance with payment deadlines. Jagtap explained that while disconnection of water supply is an option for private establishments, taking similar measures against government offices poses challenges. Past incidents, like the controversial disconnection of water to the Aga Khan Palace due to outstanding dues, have highlighted these challenges. Hence, the decision to impose a one percent penalty on unpaid water bills aims to encourage timely payments.

Jagtap further clarified that water bills are issued bi-monthly, and despite repeated warnings, many offices have shown reluctance to clear their dues. The PMC’s move to levy penalties reflects a proactive approach to tackle mounting arrears and ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply system.