PCMC Warns 99 Housing Societies of Water Cut Over Non-Functional STPs in Pimpri-Chinchwad

PCMC warns 99 housing societies of water disconnection for not operating sewage treatment plants, urges immediate compliance.

April 17, 2026 | Pune: In a strict move to enforce environmental norms and manage water resources, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a warning to 99 housing societies, stating that their water supply may be cut if they fail to operate their Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

According to civic officials, these societies have either non-functional or inactive STPs, despite multiple notices and reminders. The corporation has made it clear that continued non-compliance will lead to direct water disconnection, as per existing regulations.

STPs are mandatory for large residential complexes, especially those built on plots exceeding a specified area. These plants are designed to treat wastewater generated within the society and reuse it for non-drinking purposes such as gardening, cleaning, and flushing. Civic authorities argue that failure to operate these systems leads to wastage of potable water and increases pressure on already limited municipal supply.

This is not the first time PCMC has taken such action. In previous drives, the civic body had identified hundreds of societies with non-operational STPs and even moved to cut water supply in phases after repeated warnings.

Officials say the current action is part of a broader effort to promote water conservation and sustainable urban management, especially as Pimpri-Chinchwad continues to face rising population and growing water demand. By ensuring reuse of treated water, authorities aim to reduce dependency on fresh drinking water for secondary uses.

However, the issue is not without controversy. Many housing societies argue that they are being unfairly penalised for problems created by builders. Residents claim that developers often hand over defective or incomplete STP systems, leaving societies struggling with high maintenance costs and technical challenges.

There are also concerns about operational expenses. Running an STP requires continuous electricity, skilled manpower, and regular maintenance—costs that many societies find difficult to bear. Despite this, the civic body maintains that compliance is non-negotiable under development regulations.

Urban experts believe that while the rule is necessary, enforcement should also include accountability for builders and technical support for societies. Without addressing these gaps, conflicts between residents and authorities are likely to continue.

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