Pimpri Chinchwad tanker operators unchecked as collector's OTP order lies unimplemented

Water shortage is worsening in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and it is alleged that the administration has lost all control over private tanker operators. According to the allegations, large quantities of water are drawn daily from wells and borewells, yet people still have to pay arbitrary prices for tankers.

The Pune district collector had ordered an OTP-based system to monitor tankers. It is said that the commissioner of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the department concerned ignored the order. The collector had asked the PCMC commissioner to take steps to implement it immediately, but it is alleged that local officials turned a blind eye. Months have passed and the system has still not started.

Many high-rise residential societies have come up in areas such as Wakad, Tathawade, Punawale, Moshi and Ravet, and the system is needed most there. It is alleged that tanker operators are drawing water from wells and borewells around the clock, lowering the groundwater level and deepening the shortage. Residents say this shortage is why they have to pay Rs 2,500 to 3,000 for one tanker.

The district administration had decided to use new technology to keep watch on tankers. The proposed software would have recorded every authorised tanker trip and shown clearly how much water reached which areas. It was expected to curb irregularities and give people water on time at fair prices.

The main features of the system were as follows. Every private and government tanker would have to be registered in the software. When a tanker delivered water to a housing society or customer, an OTP would go to the registered mobile phone. The customer would give the OTP to the driver, and once it was entered in the software the trip would be recorded as complete. GPS would also show where the tanker filled up and where it delivered. In other words, a tanker could not complete a delivery without the OTP sent to the customer's registered mobile. But the scheme remains on paper so far.

Former corporator Maruti Bhapkar said the corporation had not implemented the OTP system, which is why private tanker operators are charging arbitrary amounts for a tanker. In Bhapkar's words, "Private tanker owners are charging far too much for a tanker. There is no control over them and ordinary people are being financially exploited. Had this system been implemented on time, the administration would have had an accurate record of every trip and the black-marketing of water could have been stopped." He called the PCMC administration's functioning "disappointing and anti-people". He asked whether action would be taken against the officials who ignored the collector's order, or whether the administration would keep turning a blind eye.

Swapnil Bansde, state secretary of the Maharashtra Youth Congress, alleged that the absence of OTP monitoring directly benefits the tanker mafia. Bansde said, "Water is being drawn from wells and borewells across the city, by day and by night, without permission. The groundwater level has fallen and environmental experts are warning of a bigger crisis ahead." He said the scale of the alleged violations raises questions about collusion between water department officials and tanker operators.

Amit Bajare, a resident of Ravet, said the tanker mafia operates unchecked within PCMC limits. He alleged that operators exploit the shortage to charge housing societies more than they should and supply poor-quality water. Bajare demanded strict action from the district collector and the municipal commissioner against tanker operators working without permission. He said unlicensed wells and tankers drawing water in violation of rules should be seized. He also said cases should be registered against those who create an artificial shortage and sell water at high prices.

PCMC has been asked for its response on the status of the OTP system. This story will be updated when a reply is received.