Persistent Shortages and Exploitative Practices Leave Locals High and Dry Despite Municipal Incorporation
Despite being brought under the umbrella of the Pune Municipal Corporation, residents of Wagholi find themselves entrenched in a persistent water crisis, with private water tankers becoming their lifeline at exorbitant rates. The dire situation highlights a failure on the part of municipal authorities to address the fundamental needs of the community, leaving residents to fend for themselves against the exploitative practices of the tanker mafia.
The Inclusion Conundrum:
Frustration and disillusionment grip Wagholi’s residents, who question the rationale behind their area’s incorporation into the municipal limits. Their hopes for improved services have been dashed as they grapple with ongoing hardships exacerbated by the predatory practices of the water tanker mafia, which preys on their vulnerability.
A History of Struggle and Relief:
While Wagholi once benefited from a water scheme initiated by the late MLA Gajanan Babar, recent years have seen a resurgence of water woes following the area’s incorporation into the municipal corporation. The rapid expansion of cement buildings by builders has reignited the crisis, pushing residents back into the clutches of water scarcity.
The Toll on Society:
With each society member forced to fork out hefty sums ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,200 per tanker, the water business thrives at the expense of struggling families, particularly those reliant on daily wage labour. For them, obtaining a bucket of water becomes a nightly ordeal, with some resorting to unconventional means like transporting water on bicycles or two-wheelers.
Seeking Solutions:
In response to mounting protests and appeals, municipal authorities have pledged to prioritize resolving Wagholi’s water crisis, with ongoing projects from the Bhama Askhed dam aimed at providing relief. However, officials caution that residents may have to endure at least two and a half more years of scarcity before witnessing tangible improvements.
