Pune is on the brink of a significant water crisis as private tanker suppliers have announced the suspension of their services starting April 15. This decision follows a series of unfortunate accidents involving water tankers, which have led to public outrage and a subsequent crackdown by authorities on tanker operators. The situation is further compounded by ongoing repair work at the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Bhama Askhed water supply unit, impacting supply to eastern areas of the city.
Tanker Operators Cite Harassment and Unfair Targeting
The suspension of services was announced following two fatal accidents involving water tankers in early April. On April 5, a 19-year-old student was killed in an accident near NIBM Annex, and on April 7, a 22-year-old woman died after being hit by a water tanker in Wanowrie. These incidents prompted the traffic police to intensify enforcement against tanker operators, leading to seizures of vehicles for non-compliance with fitness certificates and other regulations.
Tanker operators argue that they are being unfairly targeted and branded as a ‘tanker mafia,’ despite providing an essential service. Sushant Lonkar, owner of R. T. Tankers, stated that the industry is being wrongly vilified and that operators are not involved in monopolistic practices or demanding exorbitant payments. He emphasized that the municipal corporation has consistently failed to provide adequate water supply, making tanker services indispensable for many residents.
A significant grievance raised by operators is the mandatory requirement to hire a helper for each tanker, which increases operational costs. They are demanding an increase of ₹100 per tanker to offset these rising expenses. The operators have stated that they will resume services only after their demands are met and their grievances regarding alleged harassment by traffic police are addressed. They also criticize the administration for not fulfilling its responsibilities while taking strict action against tanker operators.
Residents Grapple with Looming Water Shortage
The potential halt in tanker services has raised concerns among residents in various Pune neighborhoods, including NIBM Annex, Mohammadwadi, Undri, Kharadi, Nagar Road, Wagholi, Baner, Bavdhan, Sus, and parts of Ambegaon. Many of these areas are dependent on private tankers due to the PMC’s limited reach with its pipeline network.
Jaymala Dhankikar, a social worker and resident, expressed strong disapproval of the operators’ decision to suspend services. She noted that while two lives have been lost due to rash driving, the operators are using residents as leverage against the administration and police instead of showing remorse. Dhankikar also highlighted a lack of oversight in the sector, questioning the absence of data on tanker trips, water sources, and water quality standards, pointing to a failure in administration.
PMC Faces Challenges Amidst Repairs and Operator Dispute
The Pune Municipal Corporation is currently undertaking repair work at the Bhama Askhed water supply unit, which is expected to add to the strain on water availability for residents. Furthermore, the PMC has been tightening norms around the supply of free water tankers due to complaints of drivers and operators collecting money. The civic body, which operates around 1,400 tanker trips daily, has directed stricter monitoring of operations, including surprise inspections, and warned of a ₹5,000 penalty for violations. Negligent civic staff also face disciplinary action.
While the PMC is working to activate water tanks and plans to extend the network to new villages, the immediate concern remains the disruption of essential water supply. The tanker association has urged housing societies to appeal to local authorities to prevent harassment of operators over minor issues, particularly during the peak summer season when water demand is high.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
