Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC), backed by Pakistan Rangers Sindh, launched a sweeping operation against water theft in Sohrab Goth and surrounding areas. The joint campaign demolished two illegal hydrants, disconnected multiple unauthorized water connections, and arrested one suspect as part of an intensified effort to protect the city's water supply network.
Joint Operation Details
According to KW&SC, the operation was carried out by its Revenue Protection and Enforcement Cell (RPEC) alongside Pakistan Rangers’ 72 Wing in several locations under the Hub Trunk Main (HTM) Division.
Raids in Ayub Goth
In Ayub Goth, officials dismantled an illegal hydrant allegedly operated by a man identified as Salman. Authorities disconnected all unauthorized water connections linked to the site, sealed the premises, and arrested the suspect. They also confiscated a 30-kVA generator, a 10-horsepower submersible pump, two electrical control boards, and pipelines of varying sizes used for illegal water extraction.
Second Illegal Hydrant
A separate raid targeted another illegal hydrant reportedly managed by a man named Imran in the same locality. Officials removed unauthorized wells and water connections while seizing additional pumping equipment, electrical boards, and pipeline infrastructure installed for illegal water extraction.
Main Transmission Network Targeted
The operation also focused on the city’s main transmission network. Five illegal tapping points connected to the 84-inch-diameter main water supply line in Ahsanabad were removed. Authorities found that two-inch pipelines had been installed to siphon water directly from the trunk line. The illegal tapping points were located in SUPARCO Society, East City Hospital, Pakistan Television Cooperative Housing Society, Ahsanabad Cooperative Housing Society, and Khayaban Patni Housing Society. All unauthorized installations were sealed on-site.
Additional Disconnections
In another action, teams disconnected two illegal four-inch water connections taken from the 18-inch Sohrab Goth main line in Dars Sana Quetta Town 3-A. KW&SC officials stated that the consumer associated with these connections owes nearly Rs20 million in outstanding dues, and legal proceedings have been initiated to recover the amount.
Results of the Campaign
According to KW&SC officials, the joint campaign resulted in the demolition of two large illegal hydrants, removal of five illegal tapping points, and disconnection of numerous unauthorized water connections. Authorities also seized one generator, two submersible pumps, four electrical boards, and approximately 295 feet of pipeline used in water theft operations.
Broader Efforts
KW&SC officials said the operation secured both the 84-inch Hub Trunk Main and the 18-inch Sohrab Goth transmission line from illegal interference. They described the crackdown as part of broader efforts to curb organized water theft and ensure fair water distribution across Karachi. The corporation warned that similar enforcement operations will continue without interruption, and individuals involved in water theft and illegal hydrants will face strict legal action.
