Authorities have decided to crack down on water thieves in Hyderabad amid scarcity. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) has begun taking in criminal cases and complaints.

Those complaining against an illegal water connection must carry a picture of the connection. The managers will then disconnect the supplies, armed with the proof. Property owners indulging in water thieving, better watch out.

The station house officer (SHO) will register a case under Section 52 of the HMWS&SB Act 1989, and Section 430 of the IPC and Section 3 (2) (a) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 against those having illegal water connection, reported Times of India.

Meanwhile, many parts in the city may not have optimal water supply as the rains have failed to increase the water levels at Osmansagar and Himayatsagar. The lakes remained almost dry and this has posed problems regarding drawing water from them.

Nearly 50 localities across Hyderabad are predicted to face a shortage of water supply.

(AW: Sruthi)