The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking stringent measures to address the issue of unpaid water bills, announcing a one percent penalty on defaulting entities. Despite prior warnings, several government and semi-government offices, including central and state government entities, railways, and cantonments, have failed to clear their outstanding dues, prompting the PMC to take decisive action.
Since December 2023, when notices were initially issued, the compliance from defaulters has been limited, with a shocking collective outstanding amount of approximately Rs. 109.99 crore owed by 12 government departments. Notable entities on the list of defaulters include railways, postal department, BSNL, Air Force, and the archaeological department. State government departments are also not exempt, with 29 departments accumulating dues totaling Rs. 15.52 crore.
Despite enjoying essential services like drinking water, these departments have neglected their financial obligations. The PMC has installed around 39,000 water meters in various establishments since 2001, encompassing commercial complexes, industrial units, educational institutions, and hospitality businesses, along with the Pune and Khadki cantonments.
The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) tops the list of defaulters with arrears amounting to Rs. 53 crore. This substantial debt burden from government offices strains the city’s water supply infrastructure, heavily reliant on revenue from water bills. The PMC supplies drinking water to both central and state government offices primarily through the Bund Garden and Pune Cantonment water supply divisions.
Chief Superintendent of the water supply department, Nandkishor Jagtap, stressed the need for action in light of low compliance with payment deadlines. Disconnection of water supply, an option for private establishments, poses challenges when dealing with government offices, as past incidents have demonstrated. Therefore, the decision to impose a one percent penalty on unpaid water bills aims to encourage timely payments.
Jagtap clarified that water bills are issued bi-monthly, and despite repeated warnings, many offices have shown reluctance to clear their dues. The PMC’s proactive approach in levying penalties reflects its commitment to tackling mounting arrears and ensuring the sustainability of the city’s water supply system.
