Illegal water business thrives as officials look other way

Quthbullapur: Even as people suffer from water scarcity as groundwater levels drop to low levels, illegal water suppliers are earning in lakh by digging bore wells near water bodies. Although this is being done openly, the officials are turning a blind eye, locals alleged.

Initially, the illegal water operators dug a few bore wells in a temple compound near Fox Sagar Lake and started supplying water through tankers. Emboldened by their links with local political leaders, the operators dug several bore wells in the area and have become water mafia.

The water levels of the lake have fallen drastically these days due to illegal water business, alleged locals. Even though the area is under CC camera surveillance installed to prevent such illegal activities, the water business is continuing without any fear.

Shyam, a resident of Subash Nagar, said that the most bore wells in the colony have already dried up because of illegal water business in the area. Fox Sagar Lake was built in 600 acres to cater to the drinking water needs of British soldiers in 1897 and it later supplied irrigation water to about 1 lakh acres.

Locals who spoke to THI appealed to Quthbullapur MLA KP Vivekanand to intervene in the matter and take necessary measures to protect the lake.