The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is grappling with persistent issues surrounding its water tanker operations, particularly concerning malpractices by the “water tanker lobby.” Despite implementing technological solutions and various monitoring systems, the core problems of alleged collusion, inflated costs, and unregulated distribution continue to plague the city’s water supply management. The situation is exacerbated by a growing demand for water, driven by population increases, urban expansion, and climate-induced water scarcity.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that a significant number of water tankers, both privately owned and those contracted by the PMC, are involved in these malpractices. Investigations and reports from various sources suggest a deep-rooted nexus between tanker operators, local politicians, and certain civic officials. This alleged nexus facilitates corrupt practices at water tanker filling centres, leading to instances where water meant for specific areas is diverted or sold at exorbitant prices to housing societies and other water-starved locations.
To combat these issues, the PMC has introduced several measures over the years. These include the installation of GPS systems in tankers to track their movements, CCTV cameras and water meters at filling stations to monitor water usage, and more recently, a one-time password (OTP) based system designed to ensure timely deliveries and prevent unauthorized stops. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been consistently undermined by implementation gaps and a lack of robust oversight. For instance, the OTP system, piloted at only one refilling point, highlights significant delays in its broader rollout. Similarly, while GPS systems have been mandated, their data is reportedly not being effectively utilized by the PMC for comprehensive monitoring.
The sheer volume of water tanker trips underscores the scale of the problem and the increasing reliance on this mode of supply. Data shows a stark rise in tanker movements, with trips crossing the 5-lakh mark for the first time in the fiscal year ending March 2026. This escalating demand, particularly during summer months, puts immense pressure on the system and creates fertile ground for exploitation by the tanker lobby. The PMC’s limited fleet of owned tankers further amplifies the dependence on private operators.
Concerns have also been raised about the quality of water supplied. In one notable incident, water sourced from a sewage treatment plant (STP) was allegedly supplied as ‘drinking water’ to the upscale Nyati Elysia Housing Society in Kharadi, highlighting the critical need for better regulation and clear differentiation between potable and non-potable water sources. To address this, the PMC has planned a color-coding system, with green-colored tankers designated for STP water and others for potable water, to be sourced exclusively from designated points.
Furthermore, issues of operational efficiency and accountability persist. Reports indicate instances of water meters being manipulated or switched off, CCTV cameras being damaged or misaligned, and discrepancies in the official records of water tanker fillings. The alleged use of single challans multiple times to fill tankers also points to systemic flaws. The PMC’s own establishments have also faced criticism for wasting water due to overflow at refilling stations, a stark contrast to its enforcement of water meters on citizens.
The situation is compounded by external factors such as rapid urbanization, the merging of new villages with inadequate pipeline infrastructure, and dwindling groundwater levels. These conditions create a dependency on private tankers, which often operate outside effective regulatory frameworks. Addressing the challenges posed by the water tanker lobby requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter enforcement of existing regulations, improved technological integration and utilization, transparent tendering processes, and a sustained effort to bolster the city’s core water supply infrastructure. Without such comprehensive measures, the PMC’s efforts to curb malpractices and ensure equitable water distribution are likely to remain hampered by systemic inefficiencies and the persistent influence of the water tanker lobby.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
