According to NMMC officials, complaints were received regarding illegal extraction of water from the 2050-mm diameter underground pipeline that supplies water from Morbe Dam to Navi Mumbai. A subsequent inspection by the Water Supply Department revealed an unauthorised connection of approximately 100 mm diameter attached to the main pipeline.
The illegal connection was first disconnected by NMMC in April 2025. The corporation also issued notices to the Devad and Vichumbe Gram Panchayats, demanding payment of a penalty of INR 80.92 lakh for unauthorised consumption of water.
However, during repairs of a pipeline breakdown in January 2026, officials discovered that the illegal connection had been re-established at the same location. Attempts to remove it faced resistance from some local residents, preventing immediate action. Notices were again issued to the concerned Gram Panchayats directing them to remove the unauthorized connection and pay the penalty amount, but no action was taken.
Subsequently, with police protection provided by Khandeshwar Police Station under the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate, NMMC successfully removed the illegal connection on March 28, 2026.
Further inspections by municipal authorities later revealed that the main pipeline had once again been tampered with and unauthorised water usage had resumed. NMMC calculated an additional penalty of INR 1.17 crore for the illegal consumption of water and informed the Raigad Zilla Parishad, seeking immediate action to disconnect the unauthorised connection.
Municipal officials emphasised that tampering with the main water pipeline, making unauthorised connections, or stealing water constitutes a serious and punishable offense. Such activities not only damage public property but also threaten the integrity of Navi Mumbai’s water supply system and the water security of its residents.
As the offense was detected for the third time, a criminal case has been registered at Khandeshwar Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 303(2), 326A, 125, 324, and 3(5), along with Section 3(2)(c) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.
In a major overnight operation conducted between 11:30 pm on June 19 and 8:00 am on June 20, 2026, under heavy police security, authorities permanently removed the unauthorized connection and implemented preventive measures. CCTV cameras have also been installed at the site for continuous monitoring.
NMMC has warned that any future attempts to tamper with the pipeline will invite strict legal action by the police and municipal authorities.
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