Pune Tanker Operators Announce Indefinite Strike, Demand End To ‘Unfair Action’ By Police And PMC
Pune Tanker Operators Announce Indefinite Strike, Demand End To ‘Unfair Action’ By Police And PMC
Pune, April 15, 2026: Water tanker operators in Pune have issued a formal letter to the District Collector, Police Commissioner, and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), warning of an indefinite suspension of tanker services starting April 15 if their demands are not addressed.
In their representation, tanker owners highlighted that the state government allocates approximately 14 TMC of water annually to Pune. However, due to rapid population growth, the city is reportedly consuming over 22 TMC of water each year, far exceeding the sanctioned quota. Despite this, several areas still do not receive adequate municipal water supply, forcing residents to depend on private tankers.
The operators clarified that they do not compel anyone to use tanker services, stating that societies and residents approach them out of necessity. They also objected to being labelled as “tanker mafia” in media reports following a recent incident in the NIBM – Cloud Nine area, calling it defamatory.
Tanker operators have decided to suspend water supply indefinitely from April 15, 2026, until their demands are fulfilled.
- Demand 1: Immediately reopen RTO passing centres and clear all pending vehicle approvals. Since the centres have been closed by the government, no tanker should be seized solely due to pending passing if all other documents are valid. Tanker documents should be checked by traffic police only once a year and officially recorded.
- Demand 2: Action should be taken only against tanker operators who are at fault. Authorities should not take blanket action against all tanker owners.
- Demand 3: Operators assure that they will not employ drivers who consume alcohol. However, since owners cannot monitor drivers 24/7, if a driver is found intoxicated, strict legal action should be taken against the driver by suspending their licence instead of seizing the tanker. Such drivers will be immediately removed from service and blacklisted among tanker operators.
- Demand 4: The operators agree to comply with the state government’s alternative to the helper rule by installing 360-degree cameras. However, they should not be held responsible if the cameras malfunction due to the nature of tanker operations.
- Demand 5: Only traffic police or authorised officials should have the authority to stop vehicles. Operators allege that self-proclaimed social activists, extortionists, and local individuals posing as journalists are illegally stopping tankers, threatening drivers and owners. They have demanded strict legal action against such individuals under relevant sections of law, including wrongful restraint, intimidation, and misuse of social media, along with provisions under the IT Act.
The tanker association further raised concerns over a special enforcement drive initiated by the traffic police on April 8 under the direction of DCP (Traffic). While documents are being checked, operators allege that even vehicles with valid papers are being detained for long hours or seized over minor issues.
They pointed out that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) passing centres have remained closed for the past two months, forcing many otherwise compliant tankers off the roads. Since this issue is beyond their control, operators have urged authorities not to penalise them for pending approvals.
The tanker owners stated that water is an essential commodity and that they supply it at reasonable rates. However, continued harassment has led them to collectively decide on an indefinite strike until their demands are met.
Key demands include immediate reopening of RTO passing centres, action only against defaulters instead of all operators, and leniency in cases involving drivers, with action limited to licence suspension rather than vehicle seizure.
They also demanded protection against harassment by unauthorised individuals posing as activists or journalists, alleging threats and illegal obstruction. The association has called for strict legal action against such individuals under relevant sections of law.
The tanker operators have urged authorities to intervene urgently to ensure smooth water supply across the city.
