PHED removed 1,140 unauthorized connections

Jaipur: Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Saturday intensified enforcement and repair work during its fifth state-level special campaign, disconnecting 1,140 illegal water connections across Rajasthan.

The weekly drive is being conducted every Saturday till June 30 to address drinking water issues that worsen during the peak summer season.

“During the drive against illegal connections, PHED officials imposed penalties worth around Rs 86.58 lakh. FIRs were also lodged against 18 people for illegal water use and theft,” a PHED official said.

Officials said the action was aimed at curbing water losses, preventing theft and ensuring equitable distribution, especially in rural and high-demand areas.

Alongside enforcement, the dept also carried out repair and restoration works. During the campaign, 732 defunct handpumps were repaired and made operational, while 398 pipeline leakages were fixed to reduce wastage and improve supply pressure.

PHED teams also completed 1,275 drinking water-related repair and improvement works to strengthen rural infrastructure.

Officials said 3,427 complaints were resolved on the spot during the drive.

“Altogether, 519 special teams were deployed for the campaign Saturday,” another official said.