The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a firm warning that legal action may be taken against individuals resisting the installation of water meters under the citywide Equal Water Supply Scheme. The initiative, aimed at ensuring equitable distribution and minimising wastage, has faced sporadic resistance from residents. Authorities have invoked Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code to underscore the seriousness of obstructing government work.
Civic officials revealed that nearly 77,000 water meters are slated for installation within the next month. PMC is urging citizens to cooperate, stressing that non-compliance not only hampers project timelines but also affects the broader goal of efficient water management in the growing urban region. The move follows a high-level review meeting led by the State’s Water Resources Minister, where PMC was instructed to expedite work and tackle the alarming levels of water leakage. The Equal Water Supply Scheme, spanning across the entire municipal area, includes the construction of 83 water tanks and the laying of more than 1,000 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure. Over 65 tanks have already been completed, while some pipeline works are facing delays due to logistical challenges.
According to PMC officials, water meters are being installed in both residential and commercial units to regulate usage, improve billing transparency, and enhance conservation. Initially, the civic body proposed installing 3.25 lakh meters based on the Property Tax Department’s figures. After extensive field verification and a consumer survey, the final count has been revised to 2.63 lakh meters, including a 5% buffer to accommodate unexpected requirements. As of now, approximately 1.85 lakh meters have been installed. The remaining 77,000 units will be installed by five contractors appointed by the project’s lead implementation agency. Each contractor has been assigned the target of completing 15,000 installations within a month. PMC’s Water Supply Department is closely monitoring progress to ensure timelines are met.
Officials emphasised that water metering is essential for Pune’s long-term sustainability goals. It facilitates fair water distribution, reduces waste, and ensures better planning for future demands amid increasing urbanisation. The civic administration also cited similar initiatives in other metropolitan cities that have led to more efficient water governance and reduced non-revenue water. In a statement, senior PMC officials appealed to citizens to support the scheme, stating that efficient water management is a shared responsibility. They added that while legal enforcement remains a last resort, the administration will not hesitate to act against wilful defiance that undermines the public interest.
The ongoing push aligns with the city’s broader environmental and infrastructural vision to build a sustainable, equitable, and smart urban ecosystem. With water stress becoming an increasingly pressing issue across Indian cities, Pune’s metering initiative represents a critical step towards responsible and resilient urban planning.
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