Konnagar Chairman uncovers illegal water extraction, traders selling bottled water at cut-rate prices

Konnagar Municipality Chairman Swapan Das uncovered a significant illegal water extraction operation operating in the area on Saturday. The operation involved several traders extracting groundwater using unauthorized boring machines and bottling it for sale without proper permits or licenses. The water was being sold at low prices, without any purification or testing, raising concerns about its safety for public consumption.

The illegal activity came to light when Chairman Swapan Das conducted an unannounced inspection of the RN Tagore Road area near Konnagar Station. There, he discovered that traders were using unlicensed equipment to extract water from underground sources. This water, which was not subjected to any filtration or chemical treatment, was then stored and sold in bottles for as little as 10 rupees each. The operation was found to be ongoing for a significant period, with reports indicating that up to 20,000 to 30,000 liters of water were being extracted daily.

While some traders claimed the water was being tested by a local chemist in Shrirampur, questions remain about the legitimacy and accuracy of these claims, as no official documentation or certification for water quality testing was presented. The lack of proper safety and health checks for the extracted water raises concerns regarding potential contamination and the risks posed to consumers.

Konnagar Municipality had already initiated several projects aimed at improving water supply and distribution across the city. However, many areas still face water shortages, which has led residents to seek alternative sources, including purchasing water from these unauthorized sellers. Despite ongoing efforts to supply households with clean water, the demand continues to exceed the available supply in certain regions, making illegal operations more attractive to some traders.

In response to the illegal activities, Chairman Swapan Das has confirmed that legal actions will be taken against the traders involved. An investigation has been launched, and FIRs will be filed with local authorities. The municipality has pledged to continue monitoring water extraction and ensure strict enforcement of regulations to prevent further illegal water extractions and sales. Additionally, measures will be implemented to increase the availability of safe and regulated water supply to residents.