Pune: The three overhead tanks at NIBM Annexe Road in Mohammadwadi may soon fill with water after years, but residents of nearby housing societies are sceptical about how and when the supply will reach their homes.Many residents said they had applied to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for pipeline connections, a process that could take time. Others said builders had provided connections earlier, but they were unaware whether it would function.Resident of Raheja Reserve on NIBM Annexe Road Ashok Mahendale said, “There are 13 buildings in our complex. Next week, we will apply online for the PMC pipeline connection. The process is cumbersome and all kinds of documents have to be submitted, including a plan attested by a certified plumber. We can expect the work to start once the PMC’s approval comes. Overheard tanks are scheduled to be filled with water by May 10. We are unsure of when the supply will reach our homes.”A resident of VTP Celesta Housing society located right next to the overhead tanks said, “Our builder had applied for civic connection and we have the documents. However, we don’t know when the supply will start, reach the taps and if it will be enough for all households. Our struggle with water supply started when we moved here in 2022.”Secretary of Dorabjee Paradise Bungalow Society Kishor Baligar said the civic pipeline in front of the society was not yet operational. “We have set up a system to pull water from the society tanks to each house. We can be sure of the overhead tank water supply only when it starts and tankers stop coming. Our society needs 10 tankers a day and we have been living like this for 14 years. We are hoping to get rid of tankers for good,” he said.Chairman of Urban Space (phase 1) housing society Sushil Sharma said there was no clarity on the supply system. “We are arranging the documents and will apply for pipeline connection for the society next week. However, we don’t know the status of the pipeline work to other societies in our area and how many of them stand to benefit. Years ago, pipelines were laid in front of our housing complex. We have no information whether these are the ones to be used to supply civic water or different ones will be laid,” Sharma told TOI.Tara Singh, the president of Anandvan Parisar Residents Foundation, also said it was important that the water supply starts first. “There will be several challenges, including whether the water is sufficient or not for all the housing societies since some are huge. We are unaware if pumping of water will continue without hassles and if PMC has done the pipeline works properly. We are thinking of holding an event, but only after the tank water reaches our taps without further hiccups,” he said.A resident of the Raheja Vista phase 1 housing society, which is among the oldest, said they also need to apply for a PMC pipeline connection. “I look after the management of two buildings in the society and we need around five water tankers daily. It is doubtful that water supply will start from the overhead tanks the moment we apply. There will be formalities in addition to some real work,” the resident said.Social worker Jaymala Dhankikar said, “Ideally, it is the builder’s job to provide water to societies. They have to get permission from the PMC, ensure when the supply will start and make arrangements till that happens. Although, this has to be done during the time of flat possession, it doesn’t. Residents continue to buy water from tanker operators without questioning builders. Furthermore, why does the civic body grant permission to construct, despite knowing the situation on-ground? Everyone is responsible for the mess — including the PMC.“
