Tanker water price up to Rs800 from May 1, Undri residents seek intervention

Pune: Residents of several housing societies in Undri's hilltop areas have expressed concern as tanker operators have imposed a steep and unilateral price hike, increasing rates from Rs600 to Rs800 per tanker effective May 1, while allegedly adding a strict no negotiation clause.Residents emphasised they are heavily dependent on tanker water due to lack of supply by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Societies such as Nyati Windchimes, Nyati Chesterfield, Nyati Esteban, Nyati Serenity, Someshwar Society and Nyati Erica told TOI that repeated attempts to engage tanker operators in discussions have failed. They said there was little choice, but to accept the revised rates.The Mohammadwadi-Undri Residents Welfare Foundation has escalated the issue and written to senior authorities, including the PMC commissioner and Pune police chief, seeking urgent intervention.Exasperated residents alleged that tanker operators have resorted to coercive tactics like halting supply to societies that question the price hike. "It is nothing short of blackmail," said a resident of Nyati Windchimes, a 200-flat society that requires around 16 tankers daily. "We've urged authorities to intervene under provisions of the Essential Services Maintenance Act. A sudden Rs200 price increase per tanker and a proposed 10% annual hike will place a huge financial burden on us."Persistent infrastructure gaps continue even as the water crisis unfolds. Recently, the PMC initiated steps to operationalise the overhead water tanks in the NIBM Annexe and Mohammadwadi areas, but residents said it would not benefit hilltop societies in Undri. "There are no pipeline connections to our societies and no development plan (DP) has been implemented, even though the area was merged into PMC limits in 2017. We are entirely dependent on tankers," said another resident.Residents of Nyati Chesterfield, comprising 55 row houses and 250 residents, said the society required about 12 tankers daily. "Unplanned urbanisation without ensuring water supply is at the root of the problem. We are open to a reasonable increase, but a unilateral hike with no room for negotiation is unacceptable," said a resident, who also questioned why new construction was being permitted in water-scarce areas.Meanwhile, the situation has been further aggravated by tensions between tanker operators and authorities. After two fatal accidents involving water tankers in April, civic action against non-compliant operators had led to a temporary disruption in supply — highlighting the fragile dependence on private water sources.Local BJP corporator Prachi Alhat acknowledged the issue. She said existing measures, including the overhead tanks near Royal Heritage Mall, would not resolve Undri's water woes. "The area urgently needs a DP. I have raised the issue with the PMC commissioner and will continue to follow up," she said. Residents' concerns about paying taxes without receiving basic services are valid, she added.However, a tanker operator denied allegations of blackmail. He said the price hike had been communicated earlier and was necessitated by rising operational costs. "We are required to hire helpers and install CCTV systems in tankers within a 15-day deadline. This increases expenses. We continue to supply water regularly," he said.
Get real-time updates and result insights on the MSBSHSE HSC Result 2026 and CBSE 12th Result 2026