Chennai: Metrowater confiscated 34 illegal motors used to draw drinking water directly from pipelines across Tondiarpet, Ambattur, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Adyar, and Perungudi on Monday. The action comes amid concerns of water theft affecting pipeline pressure and supply to other residents.The motors were seized from residential areas and hostels across seven zones. The locations included MKB Nagar in Tondiarpet (Ward 37), OT Bus Stand and Mogappair in Ambattur (Wards 81 and 91), Choolaimedu in Anna Nagar (Ward 106), Valluvar Kottam, Greams Road and Trustpuram in Teynampet (Wards 110, 111 and 112), MGR Nagar in Kodambakkam (Ward 138), Taramani in Adyar (Ward 178) and Kottivakkam and Kandanchavadi in Perungudi (Wards 181 and 182).Notices have been issued to the owners of the properties where the 34 motors were seized, warning them against using pumps again.Last month, Metrowater seized at least 30 motors from Taramani in the Adyar zone and issued notices to 520 residents over illegal pumps. Special monitoring teams have been formed across all 15 zones to check for illegal motors and prevent a fall in pipeline pressure.Fines of ₹7,500 can be imposed for using illegal suction motors in residential premises, while commercial establishments can face a fine of ₹10,000.Metrowater has also invested ₹44.9 crore to install flow meters at water distribution stations to track supply and avoid water theft.
