Developers Face Water Supply Certification Mandate

Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has introduced a stringent new requirement for developers seeking construction permits within its jurisdiction. Under the latest directive, developers must secure a certification of guaranteed water supply from relevant authorities before their proposals will be considered.

According to a recent circular issued by the PMRDA, only those development proposals accompanied by a certification from the municipal corporation, local councils, or the Maharashtra Water Authority—confirming the availability of adequate water supply—will be entertained. For certifications issued by gram panchayats, the PMRDA will undertake detailed verifications to ensure compliance before approving permits.

This regulation, anchored in Section 27.2 of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), mandates that developers must provide proof of water availability prior to submitting their proposals. The move is a response to numerous complaints from citizens and public representatives about inadequate water provision from gram panchayats and the perceived inadequacy of existing developer assurances. In a related move last month, the PMRDA had already mandated that developers obtain an assurance letter for water supply from municipal corporations or other authorised bodies as a precondition for all construction and occupancy permits. Failure to provide actual water supply post-certification may result in the revocation of permits.

The new regulation has sparked controversy within the construction sector. Developers argue that the UDCPR does not explicitly include such provisions, contending that construction permits are issued following the payment of various fees, including those for water line development, land development, fire safety, sewage treatment plants, and environmental clearances. They argue that if the authority is unable to deliver necessary services, such charges should be reconsidered. Developers question the fairness of being held accountable for service provisions after fees have been collected.

The PMRDA’s decision reflects an increased focus on ensuring that infrastructural needs align with developmental activities, aiming to address long-standing issues related to water supply and service delivery. As the policy takes effect, stakeholders within the real estate and development sectors are closely monitoring its impact on project timelines and costs.