Water Crisis Looms in South Pune as Private Tanker Operators Launch Indefinite Strike

Thousands of residents in Handewadi, Mohammadwadi, Undri, and Pisoli are bracing for a severe water shortage starting Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Private water tanker operators from the NIBM–Cloud 9 belt have announced an indefinite strike, protesting what they describe as “excessive and indiscriminate” enforcement by traffic police.

The Spark: A Crackdown on Safety

The strike is a direct response to a massive city-wide drive launched by the Pune traffic police. Following two tragic, fatal accidents involving tankers earlier this month, authorities took action against 335 vehicles for various violations, including expired fitness certificates and missing permits.

The incidents that triggered public outrage include: April 5: 19-year-old Aariz Ejaz Sheikh was killed near NIBM Road. And April 8: 22-year-old engineer Gracia Daniel Issa died after a tanker collision in Wanowrie.

Operators Allege Harassment

While the police maintain that the crackdown is essential for road safety, operators argue that the enforcement has shifted into harassment. They claim that even vehicles with valid documentation are being routinely stopped and fined.

A major point of contention is a new mandate requiring a helper on every tanker, with a failure to comply resulting in a ₹1,500 daily penalty. “Punishing everyone, including those following the rules, is unfair,” stated Nanasaheb Ghule Patil, an operator from Mohammadwadi. “These requirements are making our business unviable.”

Impact on Residents

The standoff comes at the worst possible time, as summer demand peaks. South Pune’s rapidly growing suburbs rely heavily on private tankers due to the lack of a comprehensive piped water network.

Sheetal Iyer, a resident of Undri, voiced the community’s concern: “We already face irregular supply. Tankers are our only reliable source. If this strike continues, it will severely affect daily life.”

The PMC’s Response

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is currently working on contingency measures to mitigate the crisis. Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the water supply department, noted that efforts are being fast-tracked to operationalize overhead tanks in Mohammadwadi and extend pipelines to Undri and Pisoli.

However, with no immediate resolution in sight between the operators and the traffic department, residents in these affected zones are advised to use water sparingly as the standoff deepens.