Pune: PMC Imposes Strict Rules On Free Water Tankers To Prevent Misuse
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has introduced stricter regulations on the supply of free water tankers following reports of misuse by contractors. The city receives approximately 1,400 free tanker trips daily, with 1,000 allocated as fixed trips and 400 reserved for emergencies or temporary demands. However, an investigation revealed that many of the 400 emergency trips were being conducted without official authorization.
A significant issue has emerged, with several tanker operators allegedly having political connections. These operators are accused of supplying water without formal instructions and diverting free water outside city limits while fraudulently claiming transportation costs from the PMC.
To address this, the PMC has imposed strict restrictions, prohibiting tanker operators from exchanging water among themselves and warning against submitting false invoices for unauthorized deliveries. Prasanna Joshi, superintendent engineer of the water supply department, emphasized that existing rules were not strictly followed, especially during summer when water shortages worsen due to supply cuts or pipeline damage. Junior engineers have been instructed to ensure tanker water is supplied only with proper authorization.
The PMC provides free water tankers to areas lacking a proper water supply network, including newly merged villages and certain parts of the old city limits. Contractors are paid ₹1,140 per trip to manage this distribution, but the misuse of resources has prompted the civic body to take corrective action.
