PCMC snaps water supply to 24 housing societies over non-functional STPs, 16 others fined for releasing untreated sewage into drains

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has cut off water supply to 24 housing societies this month for failing to run their sewage treatment plants (STPs) despite several notices. The civic body has also penalised 16 housing complexes Rs 10,000 each for discharging wastewater into stormwater channels.PCMC warned that more housing societies could face similar action if they failed to comply with the rules.As per civic regulations, residential complexes with more than 100 flats or built-up area exceeding 20,000sqm are mandated to install STPs, treat sewage within the premises and reuse the treated water for non-potable purposes like gardening and flushing.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, adding that fines were also imposed with each notice issued.Civic officials said some societies had sought additional time to repair and restart their STPs. "In genuine cases, extensions of about two weeks have been granted to ensure compliance," an official said.The officials said effective reuse of treated water would reduce dependence on fresh water supply and help make more water available for other residents. PCMC has also deployed a dedicated team to monitor compliance and enforce the rules.The drive has extended beyond private housing complexes to include govt establishments. The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) headquarters in Akurdi has also been served notices for a non-functional STP. The PCMC officials recently visited the premises to disconnect the water supply after alleged non-compliance, but PMRDA requested additional time, stating that repairs had been completed and trial runs were under way.Housing society representatives have, however, criticised the civic body for the action, claiming that residential complexes were being unfairly targeted. Sachin Londhe, a member of the Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, said the residents were already struggling with rising expenses related to water tankers and STP maintenance."The cost of operating STPs is high. In many cases, builders have not handed over fully functional systems to societies despite receiving completion certificates from PCMC. Residents are being penalised for issues beyond their control," he said.Londhe also questioned the corporation's own compliance, alleging that untreated sewage was being discharged from PCMC's treatment facility in Pimple Nilakh. "If the municipal corporation's own STPs are not functioning properly, who will hold them accountable?" he asked.