The Thane Municipal Corporation has cut 29 unauthorised water connections in Mumbra and Diva after residents in the two areas faced water shortages and low-pressure supply. The civic body has also begun the process of filing criminal cases against those linked to illegal connections on the main water pipelines.
The special drive began on 11 September on the orders of Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao. It covers the main water pipelines running from Kalyan Phata to Y Junction and up to the Mumbra fire brigade area, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
On Wednesday, 16 September, municipal teams disconnected 29 unauthorised connections. In the Diva division, 13 connections were removed near the Bholenath Nagar drain, six near the Gulistan Hotel drain and one near the Shilgaon temple area. In Mumbra, seven connections were disconnected near the Mittal Ground drain and two near the Global drain.
The action follows complaints and operational concerns over water shortages and low pressure in Mumbra and Diva. The municipal water supply department is targeting connections taken directly from main pipelines, which can affect the pressure and distribution available to authorised users along the network.
The corporation said the process of registering criminal cases has begun against people associated with unauthorised connections on the main pipeline between Kalyan Phata and Y Junction. The report did not specify the number of cases registered so far or identify the individuals against whom action is being initiated.
Municipal officers and engineers were present during the drive, which was conducted with a substantial police presence. The enforcement operation is continuing across the identified sections of the network.
The action places the immediate focus on illegal tapping of trunk water infrastructure, but the corporation’s stated reason for the drive is the wider supply problem affecting Mumbra and Diva. Further details on whether the disconnections improve pressure and regularity in the affected areas were not provided in the report. The Thane Municipal Corporation’s ongoing campaign is expected to cover the remaining unauthorised connections along the specified pipeline route.
