Pune: PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has expressed shock over the alleged fleecing of residents in Mohammadwadi, NIBM Road Annexe and parts of Undri for water connections by contractors and plumbers, promising them that relief would be provided soon.Speaking to TOI on Monday from New Delhi, Ram said he would take up the issue immediately after returning to Pune. “I don’t understand how so much money can be taken from residents in the name of water connections. They are getting water after years and have been paying water tax, too,” he said.The issue came to light during a meeting between residents and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials on Saturday last week, where several residents alleged that plumbers are demanding up to Rs50,000 as fees to set up each new water connection from overhead tanks in the area. When asked if PMC would provide free connections as residents had already been paying water tax, Ram said he was committed to resolving the matter. “I am expected to return to Pune on Tuesday and will immediately look into it. Residents should be assured that the issue will be solved and they will get proper relief,” he told TOI.Angry residents have been demanding PMC intervention. Jaymala Dhankikar, a social worker and resident of the NIBM Road Annexe area, said she had written to the municipal commissioner on behalf of local residents. “The matter is serious and needs immediate attention. Many societies have claimed that plumbers are asking for huge amounts for every water connection, which is illegal. The PMC must intervene immediately,” she said.On Monday morning, Hadapsar MLA Chetan Tupe, along with PMC officials and other authorities, visited the site where three overhead water tanks are located and interacted with residents. He heard complaints and assured them that discussions with the PMC would take place soon.Kishor Baligar, secretary of the Dorabjee Paradise bungalow society, said the discussions with officials were positive but implementation needs to happen quickly. “We asked the MLA why residents who already have water connections but no supply are being asked to submit so many documents. We also raised the issue of fleecing. The MLA assured us that those with existing water connections would only need to submit an application,” he said.Baligar pointed out that several societies had installed water connections as far back as 2014 but were still not receiving supply. Residents also questioned why building permissions were granted without ensuring water availability in the area. “The MLA said the issue had been discussed multiple times in the PMC, but without any concrete resolution,” Baligar added.Another resident, requesting anonymity, said PMC officials had informed them that water supply would begin in phases over the next fortnight rather than simultaneously across all societies. The resident added that after the twin tanker accidents in April this year, several politicians and corporators visited the area, each trying to take credit for the water supply project. “But the reality is that this became possible mainly because of the sustained fight by residents and local associations,” the resident said.
