Kalyan : Amid water shortage in Dombivli MIDC and 27 villages dependent on MIDC water supply, suspected water theft through illegal tapping on a major MIDC pipeline has come to light at Hedutane village near Dombivli. A video showing tankers allegedly being filled with water from the pipeline went viral on social media, prompting MIDC officials to take action.
The incident has raised questions about water supply management at a time when residents of Dombivli MIDC and 27 villages in the Kalyan rural belt have been facing shortages following successive water shutdowns, including a recent 36-hour shutdown. The state has imposed a 10% water cut in Thane district amid concerns over water availability. Because of a 36-hour water shutdown, tankers were allegedly being filled through an illegal connection, patil alleged that while residents were facing hardship.
A case has been registered against an unidentified person, said MIDC water supply department executive engineer Shashikant Raut. Against this backdrop, the suspected illegal extraction of water through a pipeline tapping has triggered concern among residents who have been struggling to secure regular supplies. He demanded immediate suspension of the officials concerned and an impartial probe by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), followed by strict action against those found guilty.
An MIDC vigilance team visited the site on Tuesday and sealed the hole in the pipeline through welding.