PMC bans drinking water for construction, pools and gardens during cuts; fines up to Rs 10,000

Pune, October 29, 2026: Amid concern over water scarcity, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken strict steps to stop the wastage of drinking water. During water cuts, the use of drinking water in construction work, swimming pools and private gardens has been stopped. Vehicle-washing centres will also face restrictions.

Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale said violators will be fined for the first two offences, while a criminal case will be registered on the third violation.

The measures will also apply to unauthorised water connections, leaking water tankers and overflowing water tanks. Some violations will attract a fine of up to Rs 10,000, while unauthorised connections will be cut.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur has issued the official order. It directs various PMC departments to implement the measures and to ensure that the city's available water is used properly.

The water supply department, ward offices, garden department, building development department, building design department and road department have been made responsible for implementation. Each department must appoint a nodal officer, who will monitor compliance and report the action taken to the water supply department by the 15th of every month.

All government and private vehicle-washing centres must remain closed during water cuts. Centres found operating against the order will be fined Rs 10,000. However, centres that use water from private borewells or wells will be allowed to operate on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The use of drinking water in government and private swimming pools and in private gardens is also prohibited. Those doing so will be fined Rs 10,000.

The use of PMC's drinking water supply in building construction, road works and ready-mix concrete (RMC) projects has been prohibited. Contractors will have to use treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs), or water from borewells and wells, for these works. Contractors who break the rules will be fined Rs 10,000, and the corporation may also order the construction work concerned to be stopped.

Unauthorised water connections will be cut immediately and a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed. A repeat violation involving such a connection will invite legal action. An overflowing water tank will attract a fine of Rs 1,000, while those operating a tanker from which water leaks will be fined Rs 10,000. Officials have also been directed to get pipeline leaks repaired quickly.

The corporation will issue notices to private housing societies asking them to restart sewage treatment plants that lie shut. Societies will be advised to use treated water instead of drinking water for gardens and toilet flushing. PMC will also run an awareness campaign so that societies install automatic float valves in their tanks to prevent overflow.

The order also warns that PMC officers and employees who are negligent in implementing these measures will face disciplinary action. Under the declared policy, a criminal case will be registered on the third violation after action has been taken twice.