India, April 11 -- Amid growing water scarcity, private water tanker operators in the city especially in its eastern parts, are under fire for overcharging housing societies and residents. Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has expressed helplessness stating that the pricing of private water tankers is beyond its jurisdiction.

In areas like NIBM Annexe, Mohammed Wadi, Undri, Kharadi, Wagholi and Aundh, water tankers that were previously priced at Rs.700 are now being sold for Rs.1,400 - which is double the amount, in just over two weeks. The spike is putting a serious strain on housing society budgets, prompting residents to demand intervention from the district administration and state government to curb the allegedly explo...