Demand for tankers up in February as water troubles strike early in Pune

PUNE: The expanding limits of the civic body, combined with an increase in construction activity, led to a significant rise in the demand for water tankers this February, much before summer set in.
In February, water tankers made a total of 27,280 trips from the seven water-lifting and distribution points either monitored by the Pune Municipal Corporation in the city. In contrast, there were 25,702 trips in February 2022 and only 18,862 trips in 2021.

Civic data shows that more consumers are sourcing tanker water not only during the summer season but throughout the year. Activists have raised concern over the increasing demand and say the civic administration should focus on better planning. PMC officials say they are working on the equitable water supply project and are bettering water supply infrastructure, which will improve the situation.
"Years have passed, but the situation has not improved as far as water supply is concerned. On the other hand, as a housing society, our expense on tankers is increasing by the day. The administration must take efforts to provide adequate water in areas under its limits," said Sanjay Dimble, a resident of Yewalewadi area.
Locals allege that the tankers are operated by people with political influence, who are creating hurdles to build water supply infrastructure and are also involved in water theft. "They help in providing illegal water taps and water connections. It ultimately leads to shortage of water in many areas," a resident said.
Dilip Vede-Patil, a resident of Bavdhan, said that the areas of Bavdhan Budruk, Kondhawe- Dhawade, New Kopare, Shivane, Kirkatwadi, Nandoshi, Uttamnagar, Narhe, Dhayari, Ambegaon, Sus and Mhalunge are facing a serious water crisis.
Aniruddha Pawaskar, head of the PMC's water supply department, said the administration is building water pipelines and tanks. "The detailed project report for the water supply systems in merged villages is ready. PMC has already started some facilities. Dedicated funds are being allocated in the municipal budget for speeding up these works," he said.
Tankers owners who have a contract with PMC say these services are not profitable. Even if the demand has gone up, this is a loss-making business, they say. "If a housing society is facing water scarcity due to problems caused by civic administration, PMC provides water for free.
This has led to an increase in demand for tankers. The civic body gives us transportation charges for carrying water to various societies but these charges have not been increased in five years. But our expenses have gone up multifold," a tanker owner said.