Pune: A strike by tanker operators on Tuesday disrupted drinking water supply to several housing societies in Undri, Mohammadwadi, NIBM Road and Pisoli areas, leaving many residents scrambling for alternatives during peak morning hours.A senior official from the water supply department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) told TOI that the civic body distributes around 160-170 tankers daily to meet drinking water needs in these areas. However, tanker operators halted services till the afternoon as part of the strike. Supplies resumed only after police intervention, he said.The disruption during early hours — when tanker movement is usually at its height due to relatively empty roads — significantly affected overall distribution. “Because of the lost time in the morning, only about half the usual number of tankers could be operated today. This is likely to impact several housing societies,” a senior PMC official said.Civic officials clarified that the PMC supplies tanker water only for drinking purposes, while societies are required to arrange water for daily usage through private suppliers. In certain cases, particularly where developers have assured interim water supply to residents until full municipal provision begins, builders also arrange for tankers.“The PMC’s drinking water supply through tankers is distributed on a rotational basis. Larger housing societies receive a tanker every day, while smaller societies are covered on rotational basis,” the official added.Residents said the dependence on private tankers for non-potable use remains high. Asif Shaikh, a resident of Elina Living Housing Society with over 360 flats, said, “Our complex receives one tanker every day from PMC for drinking water, but requires nearly 30 additional tankers, which are sourced from private operators to meet daily needs.”
