The Hisar district administration has lodged a criminal case with the police after an unauthorized water connection from the Bhakra pipeline was allegedly provided to Chanot village, a day after residents celebrated the arrival of water. The case, registered on Tuesday, targets unknown persons who tampered with the pipeline, according to a complaint filed by the Public Health Engineering Department.
Background of the Protest
Residents of Chanot village had been staging a dharna for over a month, demanding a reliable water supply. The village has faced chronic water scarcity, and the protest aimed to pressure authorities to connect the village to the Bhakra pipeline, which supplies water to nearby Hansi town.
On Monday night, Somesh Kumar, former state president of the Sarpanches Association, arrived at the protest site, claiming to represent the state government. He informed the villagers that the government had approved a T-joint installation on the Bhakra pipeline to divert water to Chanot. The fitting was installed in the presence of the protesters, and Kumar urged the crowd to raise slogans in favor of the Chief Minister.
Illegal Connection and Legal Action
However, the next morning, the Public Health Engineering Department declared the connection illegal. In its complaint, the department stated that some persons had tampered with the pipeline without authorization, constituting a criminal offense. The district administration acted swiftly, registering a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for theft of water and criminal mischief.
Anup, a member of the protest committee, said the work was carried out at the behest of Kumar. Kumar could not be contacted for comments despite repeated attempts.
Impact and Reactions
The incident has sparked outrage among villagers, who feel their legitimate demand for water has been criminalized. The protest continues, with residents demanding that the administration regularize the connection or provide an alternative water source. The case highlights the ongoing water crisis in Haryana, where many rural areas lack access to piped water despite the presence of major canal networks.
As the investigation proceeds, the administration has not yet commented on whether any officials were involved in the unauthorized connection. The police are examining the role of Kumar and other individuals who may have facilitated the illegal tapping of the pipeline.
