A severe water crisis has gripped New Sunny Enclave in Sector 125, Greater Mohali, leaving hundreds of families without access to water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation for the past three days. The crisis emerged after the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) disconnected the water supply upon discovering an illegal electricity connection powering the community's tubewell.
Illegal Connection Discovered During Raid
Taranjeet Singh, executive engineer (XEN) at PSPCL Mohali, confirmed to The Indian Express that an anti-theft team conducted a raid in Sunny Enclave. During the operation, officials found the tubewell operating through an illegal 'kundli' power connection. The team immediately imposed a hefty penalty of Rs 12 lakh and issued an official notice to the responsible parties.
The case has now been formally registered at the PSPCL Anti-Power Theft Police Station, with further legal action currently underway. Residents initially believed the tubewell motor had experienced a technical malfunction before learning the shocking truth about the electricity theft.
Daily Life Paralysed for Residents
With the water supply completely severed following the disconnection, daily life has become extremely challenging for the enclave's inhabitants. Families are unable to perform basic activities such as cooking meals, bathing, or even using toilets properly. The situation has forced residents to depend entirely on private water tankers, which are now being sold at significantly inflated prices due to the sudden surge in demand.
Local residents including Ram Murti Sharma, Malkit Singh, S C Arora, Mohit Kumar, and Harpreet Singh expressed their frustration, stating that the builder should have settled outstanding bills with PSPCL rather than resorting to electricity theft. They allege the builder had been operating the tubewell on stolen power for an extended period, and now the public is suffering the consequences.
Administration Under Pressure to Act
Councillor Harinderpal Jolly has intervened in the escalating situation, directing the builder's officials to take immediate steps to restore water supply. He issued a stern warning that if water is not restored immediately, residents will take to the streets in protest on Saturday.
The community members have warned that they will have no option but to stage public demonstrations if the administration fails to resolve the crisis promptly. Many households are currently spending substantial amounts to purchase water at exorbitant rates, adding financial strain to their already difficult circumstances.
