Pimpri Chinchwad: PCMC Snaps Water Supply to 24 Housing Societies Over Non-Functional STPs

Pune, May 12: PCMC has cut water supply to 24 housing societies for non-functional STPs and fined 16 complexes for discharging wastewater. The civic body warned of further action against defaulting societies.

Mandatory STP Regulations

As per civic regulations, residential complexes with more than 100 flats or built-up area exceeding 20,000 sqm are mandated to install STPs, treat sewage within the premises, and reuse the treated water for non-potable purposes like gardening and flushing. Effective reuse of treated water would reduce dependence on fresh water supply and help make more water available for other residents.

Enforcement Action

Yogesh Alhat, executive engineer of PCMC's environment department, said a list of 62 defaulting societies was prepared last month after they failed to comply despite receiving three notices. "Following this, we began disconnecting water supply as a punitive measure. More societies could face similar action in the coming days," he said. Officials said some societies had sought additional time to repair and restart their STPs, with extensions of about two weeks granted in genuine cases.

Government Establishments Also Targeted

The drive has extended beyond private housing complexes to include government establishments. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) headquarters in Akurdi has also been served notices for a non-functional STP. PCMC officials recently visited to disconnect water supply, but PMRDA requested additional time, stating that repairs had been completed and trial runs were underway.

Society Representatives' Concerns

Housing society representatives have criticized the civic body, claiming residential complexes are being unfairly targeted. Sachin Londhe of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation said residents are struggling with rising expenses related to water tankers and STP maintenance. "In many cases, builders have not handed over fully functional systems to societies despite receiving completion certificates. Residents are being penalized for issues beyond their control," he said, also questioning PCMC's own compliance regarding its treatment facility in Pimple Nilakh.