Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation has discovered a vast network of illegal water connections in the Diva suburb, allegedly operated by the tanker mafia. This network possibly pilfered and routed lakhs of litres of potable water daily from bona fide users.
Over 200 illegal water connections, made by tapping the water mains, along with several massive tanks with a minimum 20,000-litre water storage capacity and tanker filling points, were spotted and destroyed by a team of civic officials across the suburb. Although no official confirmation was available, it is learnt that the issue was highlighted after the team working on the high-speed rail corridor that crosses the suburb spotted and complained about the maze of illegal lines running here. Residents alleged this was the tip of the iceberg and suspected a higher volume of illegal connections to be operational.
Resident Kaptaan Mali said Diva residents paid taxes only to face water cuts and shortages throughout the week. “If residents can spot illegal tapping of lines, it is a surprise that the officials were unaware of the same,” he said. Meanwhile, officials said the drive would continue for the next few days.