Devotees offer prayers to leaking tree in Pune. Turns out it was just a broken pipe. Video

A viral video from Pune has once again highlighted the thin line between faith and superstition, after residents in Pimpri's Premlok Park began worshipping a tree they believed was emitting "holy water"—only for a municipal inspection to reveal that the source of the water was a leaking underground pipeline.

The incident occurred outside Sahara Society in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area,where a Gulmohar tree became the focus of public devotion. Locals were seen offering garlands, turmeric, vermilion, and flowers to the tree trunk. Believing the water flowing from the trunk had “healing powers,” many treated the scene as a divine miracle.

According to Punekar News, the video showing the ritualistic offerings quickly went viral, attracting more residents to the site. The phenomenon was widely perceived by the public as a spiritual event, leading to crowds gathering and performing acts of worship.

However, the truth emerged when officials from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) arrived at the location and conducted an inspection.

Speaking to Punekar News, PCMC Deputy Engineer Pravin Dhumal explained: “It’s not a miracle. An old water pipeline runs beneath the tree. Due to a leak, water found an outlet through the hollow trunk.”

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Municipal staff promptly shut off the water supply and began repair work. The tree itself was left undisturbed during the process, ensuring that no environmental damage was caused during the intervention.

A video circulated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) summarised the incident. It stated: “In the area of Pimpri Chinchwad, citizens began offering garlands, flowers, turmeric, and vermilion to a tree, worshipping it after seeing water coming from it. Later, some sensible citizens informed the municipal corporation about this, and during the investigation, it was revealed that a water pipeline had burst beneath the tree.”

The video and the events it documented have since drawn sharp criticism and ignited debate on social media. Many users expressed concern over the persistence of superstition, even in urban, educated communities.

One user questioned: “Superstition is increasing in urban areas more than in rural areas. What could be the reason?”

Another added: “How can we progress as a nation if these kind of things still happen in 2025?”

The PCMC has not announced any punitive action related to the incident but has underscored the need for scientific temper and awareness among citizens.