PMC fines Pune residents Rs 10,000 for wasting drinking water; third offence can mean criminal action

Using drinking water to wash vehicles, water private gardens, fill swimming pools or carry out construction work could now prove costly in Pune. Amid growing concern over water availability in drought conditions, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has tightened enforcement. Residents and businesses can be fined up to Rs 10,000 in such cases.

Standing committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale said on Thursday that repeat violators would face stricter action. Those found ignoring the restrictions a third time after paying fines twice could face criminal proceedings.

Additional municipal commissioner Pavneet Kaur has issued an enforcement order. It directs the water supply, garden, building permission, construction development and road departments, along with the ward offices, to monitor compliance.

Both public and private vehicle washing centres must stay shut during water cuts. A centre found operating during a cut will be fined Rs 10,000. Operators who use water from their own borewell or well will be allowed to work on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Filling swimming pools or maintaining private gardens with drinking water supplied by the PMC will also attract a fine of Rs 10,000 for each violation.

Construction companies and contractors are also barred from using the corporation's drinking water for building projects, road work and making ready-mix concrete (RMC). They will have to bring treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) or use water from private borewells and wells. Violators will be fined Rs 10,000, and the PMC can also order construction to stop.

A fine of Rs 5,000 has been set for illegal tap connections. The corporation has also kept the right to disconnect such connections immediately.

Water is also wasted through improper storage and supply, and the restrictions cover that too. Housing societies that let an overhead tank overflow will be fined Rs 1,000. Tankers found leaking while carrying water can be fined up to Rs 10,000.

The PMC will send notices to housing societies whose STPs are lying idle, asking them to restart the plants. Treated wastewater can be used for purposes such as gardens and toilet flushing, reducing dependence on drinking water. The administration will also encourage societies to fit automatic float valves in storage tanks to stop the needless waste caused by overflowing.