PMC issues show-cause notice, 1 lakh fine to developer over contaminated water supply in Mhalunge complex

Pune: The civic body on Saturday issued a show-cause notice and imposed a fine of Rs1 lakh on a manager/developer of VTP Aethereus for allegedly supplying contaminated water to property owners in a Mhalunge complex.As per the notice, this action was taken following a complaint from residents. Meanwhile, the developer clarified that the issue stands already resolved.
The Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) notice to the VTP Aethereus management stated: "Since the municipal corporation's water supply system is not yet operational in the said area, you submitted a written undertaking to the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA)/PMC, stating that until the municipal water supply commences, you would provide safe and potable water to the residents at your own expense. However, according to complaints received from flat owners, the water you are supplying is contaminated and non-potable, causing residents to suffer from waterborne diseases and skin ailments." Rahul Salunke, executive engineer of PMC's water supply department, confirmed to TOI, "We have given time to the developer to reply. The future course of action will be decided accordingly." PMC's notice on Saturday also issued directives, saying that the supply of contaminated water must be stopped immediately. "Potable water must be supplied only from authorised and approved sources. A water testing report from a govt-approved laboratory must be submitted within four working days. A written explanation must also be submitted within four working days as to why further legal action, including registration of a criminal case, cancellation of permissions, and blacklisting, should not be initiated," it said. The developer also issued an official statement in the matter, saying: "VTP Aethereus would like to inform that a temporary disruption in water supply occurred due to a technical issue at the water treatment plant (WTP). Upon becoming aware of residents' concerns, our team immediately initiated corrective measures to address the situation. The issue is now fully resolved, and the water supply is restored to normal." The statement added that, as part of the company's standard quality assurance protocol, water samples were sent to an NABL-accredited laboratory for comprehensive testing. The company management said it received the lab reports, confirming that the water quality meets all prescribed parameters and fully complies with the required testing standards."With respect to the notice received from the PMC water supply department, we do not concur with the observations stated therein. The notice appears to be issued as part of a routine administrative process. We are taking the matter forward with the competent authorities in an appropriate and formal manner. We also interacted with residents to address their concerns and obtained confirmation regarding the restoration of normal water supply and quality," the VTP Aethereus management said.