Pune: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has reinforced its requirement that developers must secure a guaranteed water supply before receiving construction permits within its jurisdiction.

In a recent circular, PMRDA emphasized that only proposals accompanied by a certificate from the municipal corporation, local councils, or the Maharashtra Water Authority—verifying that sufficient water will be supplied—will be considered. For certificates issued by gram panchayats, the authority will conduct thorough verifications before granting permits.

This new regulation, rooted in Section 27.2 of the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), requires developers to prove water availability before submitting proposals.

The PMRDA’s decision stems from complaints by citizens and public representatives about inadequate water supply from gram panchayats and developers. As a result, the authority is now strictly enforcing the mandate.

Last month, the PMRDA had issued a circular requiring developers to obtain a water supply assurance letter from municipal corporations or competent authorities for all construction and occupancy permits. Developers who fail to secure actual water supply after submitting the required certification face potential permit revocation.

The decision has caused a stir within the construction industry. Developers argue that there is no such provision in the UDCPR. They also contend that construction permits are granted after paying various charges, including water line development fees, land development fees, fire premiums, STP plant charges, and environmental clearance certificates.

Developers argue that if the authority cannot provide water and drainage services, these charges should not be levied. They believe that fees should be collected only when services are provided and question the fairness of making developers responsible for services after collecting fees.