The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched a strict crackdown on water theft in the Diva-Agasan area, disconnecting 24 illegal water connections on Wednesday. Additionally, unauthorized tanker filling centers operating in the area were immediately shut down, and their equipment, including pumps and pipelines, was seized. The action is part of an ongoing investigation to curb illegal water usage.
Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao had directed officials to take strict action against unauthorized water connections. Acting on his orders, Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode and City Engineer Prashant Sonagra supervised the operation. According to Assistant Municipal Engineer Vinod Pawar, a police complaint has been lodged regarding the matter.
The crackdown was conducted jointly by the encroachment and water supply departments of the Mumbra-Diva Ward Committee, in the presence of Deputy Municipal Commissioner Manish Joshi, Encroachment Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, Executive Engineer Shashikant Salunkhe, and Prashant Phirke. Several water tanks and motor pumps were also seized during the operation.
Residents Question Years of Inaction
Locals have raised serious concerns, alleging that millions of liters of water have been stolen over the years, alongside illegal electricity connections. Residents are questioning why TMC remained silent for so long and are demanding accountability. They claim that many water tankers operate daily in Diva, worsening the water scarcity. Residents hope that if this theft is permanently stopped, Diva could finally be free from water shortages.