Water Crisis Erupts at Godrej Mahalunge Township
• Residents Demand Action from Godrej Properties
• Builder Blamed for Ongoing Water Woes
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Residents of Godrej Hillside, Pune, staged a peaceful protest on 29 March against poor water quality and unreliable supply. Families, including children, participated. Despite builder Godrej Properties acknowledging the issue, no action followed. Demands include 24×7 water, emergency tanks, and reimbursement of tanker costs. Sprouts News SIT exposed ongoing mismanagement.
Water Woes at Godrej Hillside Trigger Resident Unrest
Residents of Godrej Hillside, located in Mahalunge Township, Baner, Pune, have launched a peaceful protest against poor water quality and inadequate support from the builder. Despite a written acknowledgment from Godrej Properties of the long-standing water issues, no tangible resolution has been implemented to date.
On 29 March, residents—including families and children—travelled together using wingers and personal vehicles to stage the protest. They raised slogans demanding accountability and urgent intervention. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) confirms that the protest was calm but assertive, reflecting the growing frustration in one of Pune’s prominent townships.
Key Demands: Reliable Water Supply and Builder Accountability
Residents have issued a formal list of demands to both Godrej Properties and Solitaire, the water service provider. Foremost among them is the uninterrupted 24/7 water supply to Hillside’s underground tanks. In case of any failure in supply, the community insists that the cost of alternate water tankers must be borne by the builder or Solitaire—not by the residents.
They have also called for the construction of emergency pilot tanks with a capacity of 3 lakh litres. These tanks would serve as a contingency during operational failures. Moreover, residents demand that any planned or unplanned supply disruptions be proactively communicated to the society at the earliest.
The Sprouts News SIT further reports that residents are demanding urgent operationalization of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to improve water quality. They are also asking for a review of the WTP’s capacity to ensure it meets the growing needs of the community.
Transparency and Communication Breakdown Raise Concerns
Residents have voiced serious concerns over the lack of transparency in water meter readings. Discrepancies between readings reported by Solitaire and those recorded independently by the society have caused mistrust and confusion.
The demand for third-party audits has gained momentum, with residents stating that current reporting lacks accuracy. They have also insisted on real-time updates regarding the start and stop of water supply, as erratic communication has severely disrupted daily routines.
Demand for Retrospective Reimbursement of Tanker Costs
A core demand from the residents is the reimbursement of past water tanker expenses incurred due to Solitaire’s service failures. These costs, they argue, stem from a basic infrastructure lapse that should not be their financial burden.
The residents maintain that all past and ongoing tanker expenses must be fully covered by the builder or service operator. This request is viewed not just as a financial settlement but also as a call for builder accountability in upholding service promises made at the time of possession.
Related Article: Godrej Palm Grove Faces Legal Heat Over Violations.
Also Read: Godrej Celeste Buyers File RERA Complaint Over Delays.
Sprouts SIT Investigation: Gaps Between Promises and Action
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reviewed internal communications and verified that Godrej Properties acknowledged the issue via an official communication. However, there has been no significant progress or timeline announced for resolution.
The SIT notes that this prolonged silence has fueled unrest, especially given that follow-ups by the residents have gone unanswered. The protest was a response to what residents see as administrative apathy toward essential civic services.
Residents Seek Action, Not Assurances
Residents are no longer satisfied with verbal or written assurances—they are demanding clear timelines, transparent systems, and long-term fixes. The core of their protest is rooted in basic human rights—clean, reliable water and fair accountability.
The Sprouts News SIT urges Godrej Properties to engage openly with the resident welfare association, initiate third-party audits, and release an immediate action plan. Without swift and meaningful response, the crisis at Godrej Hillside could set a precedent for buyer resistance and raise broader concerns over builder governance in India’s urban housing sector.
