A theft at a government tubewell in Jalandhar has led to a major disruption in water supply to several residential and commercial areas. The incident occurred late Tuesday night when unidentified individuals broke into the tubewell premises and stole critical equipment, including motors and electrical panels.
Impact on Water Supply
The theft has severely affected the water supply in localities such as Model Town, Guru Arjan Dev Nagar, and parts of the city center. Residents reported low water pressure and no water in taps since Wednesday morning. Many households and businesses have been forced to rely on stored water or purchase water from private suppliers.
Official Response
Officials from the Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department visited the site and confirmed the theft. A senior engineer stated that the stolen equipment is essential for pumping water from the tubewell to the distribution network. Repair work has been initiated, but it may take at least two days to restore full supply, as new parts need to be procured.
Police Investigation
A case has been registered at the local police station under sections of theft and criminal trespass. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and questioning suspects. Early investigations suggest that the thieves targeted the tubewell due to its remote location and lack of adequate security.
Public Outcry
Residents have expressed anger over the incident, criticizing the authorities for not providing proper security to critical infrastructure. Some have demanded compensation for the inconvenience faced. Local leaders have also taken up the matter, urging the administration to expedite repairs and enhance security measures at all government tubewells.
The department has assured that temporary arrangements, such as tanker supply, will be made to mitigate the water crisis. Meanwhile, police have promised to apprehend the culprits soon.
