MahaRERA Orders Builder to Fix Drinking Water Supply for Three Societies

MahaRERA Chairperson Manoj Saunik, in an order dated 13 August 2026, directed developer Paranjape Schemes (Construction) Ltd to ensure adequate, safe and potable drinking water at its Happiness Hub-Varve project in Pune district. The order came on complaints filed jointly by Marigold, Tulip and Daffodils Co-operative Housing Societies, whose residents said water quality had remained poor since they took possession of their flats.

What the societies alleged

The three societies, covering 13 buildings in the project, said residents noticed variations in the taste, smell and colour of tap water and were forced to collect water from a Water ATM and transport it in gallons. They pointed to a condition attached to the project's part occupancy certificate requiring the developer to arrange drinking water at its own cost if the local authority did not. The societies had sought a permanent water supply fix along with Rs 15 lakh in compensation.

Why the builder's defence failed

Paranjape Schemes argued its obligation was limited to laying water connections, and that actual supply was the local Gram Panchayat's responsibility under a separate agreement. MahaRERA rejected this, holding that a paper arrangement does not resolve a real shortage, and that under Section 11(4)(a) of the RERA Act a promoter's responsibility for essential services continues until the society's conveyance is completed — not just until possession is handed over.

What this means for housing societies

• A developer cannot fully shift responsibility for water, drainage or other essential services onto a local authority through a side agreement, as long as conveyance to the society is pending.
• Societies facing persistent essential-service failures (water, drainage, structural issues) can approach MahaRERA even after taking possession — the promoter's duty does not end at handover.
• Keep records of occupancy certificate conditions, correspondence with the developer, and any independent water-quality test reports, as these formed the core evidence in this case.

Paranjape Schemes has been given 30 days to submit a water-quality test report from an accredited laboratory and must maintain adequate supply arrangements until a regular, safe water connection is in place. MahaRERA warned that non-compliance would attract penalties under Section 63 of the RERA Act.