Pune, October 18, 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has clarified that treated water from its Mile Purification Center is being used to clean road railings and dividers following criticism over a recent viral video showing civic workers washing road dividers with water.

The video drew criticism amid Pune’s severe water crisis following deficient monsoon rainfall in 2026, attributed to El Niño conditions. The district administration had recently announced a 20% water cut to ensure that available water resources last until at least August 2027.

PCMC has clarified that treated waste water is being used to clean road dividers and railings after a viral video sparked criticism. The clarification comes amid Pune’s water crisis and a recently announced 20% water cut. #Pune #Punenews #PCMC #PuneNow https://t.co/cqIYYUsaIi
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) October 18, 2026

Clarifying the use of water for cleaning, PCMC said treated water from the Mile Purification Center is being used to clean road railings and dividers.

The civic body said the objective is to keep these road safety features clearly visible to daily commuters, school vehicles, public transport and other vehicle drivers.