Kodungallur: The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has uncovered a major case of drinking water theft in V P Thuruthu near Methala, a region already grappling with severe water shortages. Officials found that large volumes of potable water were being illegally diverted from the main pipeline for unauthorized use.

The operation centered on an 80,000-litre underground tank constructed on the property of Shinil Shad of Themaliparambu in V P Thuruthu, into which the stolen water was being siphoned. The diverted water was used for washing sand illegally extracted from the nearby river.

Local residents, who rely entirely on KWA’s supply, which is delivered only twice a week, have been receiving water laced with salt in their homes. Concerned about the ongoing shortages and recurring salinity issues, residents had approached the Authority with complaints through their municipal councilor. The theft was discovered during an inspection conducted by KWA officials on Tuesday.

Investigators found that the culprits had tapped into KWA’s 75 mm PVC line using an unauthorised pipe. Officials have stated that fines will be imposed on the property owner.

The team that uncovered the theft included Assistant Engineer K P Sandhya, Revenue Officer Joby, Senior Plumbing Inspector Nanaji, Overseer Zakir Hussain and Meter Inspector Shibu. Residents said the water theft had been going on for years and that despite lodging multiple complaints, no action had been taken until now.

Responding on the issue, K R Sajith, a local resident, said the theft was first noticed two years ago. “Even after complaints were submitted to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), no action was taken. It was only after bringing the matter to the attention of municipal councilor P V Vijil and filing a complaint with the Authority alongside him that action was finally initiated. V P Thuruthu is an area where residents often struggle to get enough water even for daily needs. This theft took place against that backdrop,” he said.

K P Sandhya, Assistant Engineer at KWA, informed that a case has been filed against the property owner. “A decision on the fine to be imposed will be taken today. The investigation, conducted in response to complaints from residents, clearly confirmed the theft of drinking water. Strict action will be taken against the culprits,” the official added.