Three water pilferage rings based out of Alkapuri, Maruthinagar and Dilshuknagar had drained water for the past six months from Hyderabad Metropolitain Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (HMWSSB) pipelines to run their water bottling units.
The incident came to light when sleuths at HMWSSB nabbed the unit, which used electric motors to pump water directly from pipelines into homes, where bottling was done.
In the exercise, 22 motors used to pump water from the pipelines were seized at the end of March. The pilferers were also pumping water for their own household needs as their homes were located at an elevated spot.
The water board cracked down on pilferage after residents of several localities complained of water scarcity. When illegal pumps are used to draw water from the source, entire localities can go dry for days because pipelines dry up. The illegal units were seized with the aid of police officials. The bottled water - which the unit sold in residential areas and office establishments - were priced ₹30 to ₹40, based on requirement.
Fifteen people were associated with the racket. The board is yet to assess the extent of losses.
According to water board officials, 35% to 40% of water released into pipelines is unaccounted, resulting in huge revenue losses.
Police compalints
Since 2013, HMWSSB has been lodging police complaints against people who illegally draw water. The board also receives complaints about water pilferage at the division level, as primary tips mostly come from residents facing water shortage due to the pilferage.
In most cases, water is pumped out for non-commercial residential use. “Instead of allowing free fall or flow of water, people pump water to the first or second floor of residential complexes. This prevents water from reaching other localities and results in water scarcity,” said Vijay Kumar Reddy, Director (Revenue) HMWSSB. The water board has been cracking down on non-commercial illegal water users in the past.
While the board has about 2.5 lakh metered connections, it estimated that between 6.8 lakh and 7.5 lakh connections are not metered, resulting in huge losses.
“The board has been trying to stop water pilferage and illegal meters for several years. If sensitive meters are linked to each connection, pilferage will reduce to about 12%,” Mr. Reddy said. Even in developed countries, water pilferage is anywhere between 10% to 20%, he pointed out.
The water board introduced 400 sensitive meters in residential pockets and is currently studying extent of revenue saving the exercise can yield.
The board is expected to submit its recommendations of improved metering shortly, Managing Director M. Dana Kishore had earlier told The Hindu .
