Hyderabad: While the whole city was in a deep sleep, khaki uniforms and Water Board officials were on a ‘silent mission’ in the streets. The targets were those pulling others’ rightful water into their tanks using illegal motors. The vigilance team of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) carried out a major strike early Thursday morning, in which 17 illegal motors were seized from the Gandhinagar area.
‘Surgical Strike’ in the Silence of Dawn
At exactly 4:00 AM on Thursday, as soon as the water supply began in the area, the Water Board’s Special Task Force started the raid. This action was so sudden that many house owners did not even get a chance to remove their illegal motors. Officials conducted door-to-door inspections and uprooted illegal pumps connected directly to the pipelines.
“Tanks filled by stealing neighbors’ thirst”
A senior HMWSSB official stated, “This is not just a case of seizing a motor; it is water theft. When one house installs an illegal motor, the water pressure for 10 houses at the tail end of the same line vanishes. We will not allow anyone to steal the thirst of others.”
Strict Punishment and Heavy Fines
This morning proved quite costly for those caught. The board has made it clear that the era of leniency is now over:
Seizure: All 17 motors have been seized and sent to the government warehouse.
Fine: An immediate fine of ₹5,000 is being imposed for violating rules.
Jail: Preparations are underway to file police cases (FIR) and send repeat offenders to jail.
‘Operation Clean’ Ongoing Across the City
This was not an isolated action. In this scorching month of April, the board has already raided several areas:
Gandhinagar: 17 motors (latest action)
Ramanthapur: 7 illegal connections cut
SR Nagar: 7 motors recovered
Is Your Neighbor Stealing Water Too?
If you are getting low water pressure in your home, it is possible that someone is drawing your water using a motor. You can provide anonymous information on 155313. The board has assured that the name of the complainant will be kept completely confidential.
