PCMC: 23 Illegal Water Pumps Seized In Pimple Nilakh, Thergaon; Five Squads To Inspect In Two Shifts
PCMC has seized 23 illegal motor pumps in Pimple Nilakh and Thergaon after housing societies complained of low water pressure. Special squads will now inspect.
Photo: DesiBoy101 / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 29th October 2026: PCMC has seized 23 motor pumps in Pimple Nilakh and Thergaon during a drive against illegal water extraction, after housing societies in the area complained for weeks about low water pressure.
The problem is a familiar one. When pumps are attached directly to the municipal line, they pull water out before it reaches others on the same network. Homes at the end of the line, often in newer societies, end up with a trickle or nothing at all.
Societies say the problem hasn’t gone away
Reports say a federation of housing societies sent PCMC a list of 36 affected societies across Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Tathawade, Thergaon and Punawale and asked for inspections. Residents claim some offenders went back to pumping after the seizures, either by reconnecting the same equipment or by putting in new pumps.
They want surprise checks, fines, and disconnection of water connections for repeat offenders, along with a fixed time frame for responding to complaints.
PCMC’s response
Mahesh Baride, executive engineer at PCMC, said five squads will now work in two shifts to stop wastage and illegal extraction. Each squad has six people, including a junior engineer from the water supply department, and will carry out checks during morning and evening supply hours. He asked residents to report wastage and said complaints will be acted on.
What residents can do
Report illegal pumps or wastage to PCMC’s water supply department or through its official complaint channels. Society committees can help a lot by noting down the times when pressure drops and sharing that with ward officials, which helps the squads check the right lines. And it’s worth making sure your own building doesn’t have overflowing tanks or leaking connections.
The crackdown comes at a time when the wider region is discussing water cuts. Read our update on the Pune water cut and the canal committee meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PCMC seizing motor pumps?
Illegal pumps attached to municipal pipelines reduce water pressure and cause shortages for other households.
Which areas did PCMC inspect?
The 23 pumps were seized in Pimple Nilakh and Thergaon. Societies in Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, Tathawade and Punawale have also complained of shortages.
How can I complain about illegal water extraction in PCMC?
Report it to the PCMC water supply department or the corporation’s official complaint channels. PCMC has said action will follow on complaints.
