Unchecked water theft in Pindi

Powerful groups operate tankers along Soan River with impunity

RAWALPINDI:

The tanker mafia is pilfering water worth millions daily as it has established illegal hydrants along the banks of Soan River and adjoining areas, The Express Tribune learnt.

The basic amenity is sold at exorbitant rates in the newly established housing societies which have no water supply system.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district administration, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), as well as the management of Potohar Town have turned a blind eye on it and blame each other for the ongoing illegal activity.

During a survey, The Express Tribune learnt that water worth millions of rupees was being stolen by illegal hydrants established near Lahore High Court (LHC) building and uninhabited land along the river bank.

The tanker mafia has installed huge suction pumps to obtain fresh river water which is later sold expensively. The pilferers have dug deep boreholes to extract fresh underground water too.

During the survey, it was observed that large tanks have also been installed where the water is stored.

The rate of a water tanker storing 1,000 litres is between Rs1,200 and Rs1,500. The tankers with more capacity are sold in up to Rs3,000.

Interestingly, all these hydrants are being supplied power through the legal channel but the administration has closed its eyes from taking an action.

A Wasa official, who revealed information upon requesting anonymity, told that the new areas around Sawan River lacked a proper water supply system.. He added that the related areas were getting populated at a fast pace due to the construction of new housing societies.

The official said that the tanker mafia was fulfilling the rising demand for amenity.

He confessed that water theft was underway from Soan River and tube-wells adding that the groundwater level was depleting sharply.

Wasa official informed that the pilferage was also affecting marine life which was ultimately impacting the environment too.

When The Express Tribune contacted Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anwarul Haq on the matter he distanced himself by saying that the issue was to be addressed by Wasa and its officials could explain it.

However, when the Wasa officials were asked these questions, they asserted that the Punjab government had limited their jurisdiction till Rawal Town. They added that the areas along Sawan River were managed by either Potohar Town or district council. However, when The Express Tribune approached the Potohar Town officials they blamed Wasa for allowing water theft.

The locals of the areas said that they were captive at the hands of the tanker mafia. They added that they have lodged complaints against the illegal activity with the district administration. However, when the action was taken, the mafia went on a strike and the locals had to long for water due to the absence of a water supply system run by the government.

Therefore, the mafia was given a free hand and it started looting people again.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2020.