Illegal Pumps Sabotage Hubballi's 24x7 Water Supply Project
Hubballi faces a serious challenge to its intermediate zone 24x7 drinking water supply. The system covers Keshwapur and several other localities. However, many households continue using electric pumps to forcibly draw water from distribution lines. This practice remains unchecked despite official warnings.
Residents Report Widespread Pump Installation
Local residents report numerous households installing suction pumps directly on service connections. These devices pull water at higher pressure and in greater quantity than the system design allows. This illegal method creates immediate benefits for a few users. But it disrupts the entire network's balance and creates serious inequity for surrounding homes.
The result is a patchy supply pattern even within officially declared 24x7 areas. Affected families must store water, depend on private tankers, or spend extra time managing daily needs. Over time, such pressure manipulation increases risks significantly. Pipe damage, leaks, and contamination become more likely due to negative pressure events.
Enforcement Gap Between Previous and Current Operators
Earlier, the water supply agency Waterboard took stern action against this practice. Regular inspections, disconnections, penalties, and public warnings acted as effective deterrents. These measures helped protect fair distribution across the network.
Residents now allege the current operator L&T has failed to act with similar firmness. They claim L&T is aware of widespread misuse but hasn't implemented visible enforcement. This lack of action has emboldened violators and normalized an illegal practice. It fundamentally undermines the purpose of the continuous supply project.
Officials Acknowledge Problems and Promise Action
Savita Katigennavar, superintending engineer at KUIDFC, addressed the issue directly. She confirmed leaks in some areas cause low-pressure water supply. Illegal connections in the intermediate zone represent a major issue. Using pumps to obtain full-pressure water constitutes illegal practice.
Katigennavar stated a proper program will soon be designed to curtail the practice. Appropriate action will be initiated promptly. She added the water supply operating agency L&T will receive specific directions to take necessary steps.
Rudresh Ghali, commissioner of HDMC, reinforced this position. He declared using pumps to supplement water supply force is completely illegal. Ghali announced a meeting will soon convene with KUIDFC, L&T officials, and HDMC officials. The goal is curbing the illegal pump practice and initiating stern action against violators.
System Sustainability Requires Immediate Intervention
For 24x7 service to function as intended, strict monitoring and enforcement become essential. Identifying pump connections represents the first critical step. Issuing notices, disconnecting repeat offenders, and imposing penalties must follow to restore equitable pressure across the network.
Without decisive action, the system will continue rewarding illegal extraction. Law-abiding households will suffer reduced supply and declining trust in the service. The community's water security depends on addressing this challenge immediately and effectively.
