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The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched an amnesty scheme to regularize an estimated 200,000 illegal water connections by charging a penalty of INR 4,000. However, only 130 property owners have responded so far. Unlike a 2021 scheme, this initiative includes unauthorized settlements, aiming for broader reach. Despite this, enforcement remains weak due to political resistance and repeated reconnections after disconnections. Legal residents are frustrated by continued water issues while illegal users face little consequence. To strengthen enforcement, ward-level teams have removed 835 illegal connections. The low response highlights the need for stronger policies to ensure fair and efficient water distribution in Pune.
In a renewed effort to tackle the pervasive issue of unauthorized water connections, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched an amnesty scheme aimed at regularizing such connections across the city. Despite the initiative's intent to streamline water supply management and reduce leakages, the response has been underwhelming, with only 130 property owners coming forward to legalize their connections, a mere fraction of the estimated 200,000 illegal taps. Advertisement
The scheme, which allows property owners to regularize their water connections by paying a penalty of INR 4,000, was designed to be more inclusive than its predecessor in 2021. Unlike the earlier version, which limited eligibility to legally sanctioned properties, the current initiative extends to all unauthorized connections, including those in informal settlements. However, this broader scope has not translated into increased compliance.
Civic officials attribute the low participation to several factors, including political pressure that complicates the disconnection of illegal taps, particularly in slum areas. An official noted that even when illegal connections are severed, property owners often reconnect them without authorization, undermining enforcement efforts.
Residents who have adhered to legal protocols express growing discontent. Ashwini Pathak from Kothrud highlighted the inequity, stating that despite regular tax payments, they face water supply issues, while those with illegal connections enjoy uninterrupted service.
To address the situation, PMC has established ward-level teams tasked with identifying and disconnecting unauthorized connections. To date, 835 illegal taps have been removed. Nevertheless, the persistent challenges underscore the need for more effective strategies to ensure equitable water distribution and resource management in Pune.
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