Pune: Citizens’ group Sajag Nagrik Manch has urged Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to immediately expand its OTP-based water tanker management system across the city to curb malpractice and improve accountability in tanker water supply.The demand comes amid growing complaints from residents about delayed tanker deliveries and water losses during transit. The OTP-based mechanism was introduced to ensure tankers reach designated destinations on time and to prevent unauthorised diversions or illegal sale of water.“Except for parts of Sus and Mhalunge, this system has not been made operational anywhere else so far. With water cuts likely to increase tanker demand, there is an urgent need to implement the OTP system at all tanker points across the city to prevent people from being exploited,” Vivek Velankar of the Manch said.Under the system, an OTP is sent via SMS to the consumer when the water tanker reaches the delivery point. The supply is authenticated only after the OTP is entered, and the trip is considered complete only after verification. PMC had announced the initiative six months ago, claiming it would make tanker operations transparent and eliminate fake trip records, delayed deliveries and water misappropriation.The residents said stricter implementation of the OTP system was necessary, especially ahead of summer. “Demand for water tankers rises sharply during the summer months. PMC must establish a robust framework for accurate and timely deliveries,” Ambegaon resident Mitali Mahajan said.Civic activists, however, contended that the system’s enforcement remained weak, hinting at at poor compliance.PMC-authorised tankers currently draw water from filling points like Ramwadi, Swargate, Bund Garden, Patwardhan Baug, Yerawada, Chatushrungi and Pashan. The tankers make around 1,400 trips daily, including 1,000 scheduled and 400 emergency trips.PMC officials maintained that the project had been successfully piloted and would now be expanded in phases. “A presentation was made at the collector’s office and discussions are underway to extend the initiative to the PMRDA region,” a senior PMC official said.
