HMWSSB books 9 persons for illegal water tapping, removes 15 unauthorised connections

Hyderabad: In a stern warning to unauthorised consumers, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has initiated criminal proceedings against nine individuals for illegally tapping into the city’s supply lines.

The crackdown, directed by HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy, was carried out by the board’s Vigilance Wing following a discovery in the Sitaram Bagh area of the Red Hills (O&M Division No. 4) jurisdiction.

Exploiting infrastructure works

The violation came to light during recent road construction projects initiated by the GHMC in Sitaram Bagh.

Seizing the opportunity provided by the excavated roads, residents of nine houses—who already possessed authorised water connections—clandestinely installed an additional 15 unauthorised connections.

The illegal lines were drawn directly from the HMWSSB supply pipelines without any official sanction or technical supervision from the board.

Immediate action and legal consequences

Upon identifying the theft, the Vigilance Wing moved swiftly to disconnect all 15 unauthorised water lines and immediately remove them. The officials filed criminal cases against the nine homeowners involved in the illicit tapping.

A warning to the public

HMWSSB officials have reiterated that bypassing official channels for water or sewerage connections is a criminal offence. The board emphasised that such actions not only result in financial loss to the state but also compromise the pressure and hygiene of the water supply for law-abiding citizens.

How to report water theft

The HMWSSB is urging the public to act as ‘vigilance partners’ to help preserve the city’s water resources. If you have information regarding illegal water taps or unauthorised sewerage connections, you can contact the Vigilance Wing directly at the following numbers: 99899 98100, 99899 87135