Bhayandar: Illegal water extraction by tanker mafias from wells and ponds has sparked public outrage in Bhayandar village. Despite repeated complaints lodged by villagers, authorities have allegedly failed to take any concrete action, allowing the illicit activity to continue unchecked.

Residents claim that private tankers are extracting water round-the-clock from local water bodies, leading to a rapid depletion of natural water reserves. With summer temperatures soaring and water scarcity already looming over the Mira-Bhayandar region, the unregulated exploitation of these sources has triggered alarm.

Over 100 concerned citizens have submitted written complaints to various authorities, including the Thane district collector, MBMC municipal commissioner, water resources department, MLA Narendra Mehta, and local police.

The complaints, with names of those involved in the illegal activity and photographs to support, have fallen on deaf ears.

“These tankers operate day and night, and our complaints are falling on deaf ears. No authority is willing to act. It seems the tanker mafia has a free hand,” said Sunil Patil, a long-time resident of Ram Mandir Road.

The affected areas include Ram Mandir Road, Cross Garden, Dicona Street, and Koliwada, where residents have witnessed massive unauthorized water extraction from both public and privately owned wells. The water is transported using tankers and other vehicles and then sold commercially, according to locals.

“Water spills onto public roads during transport, leading to slippery conditions and frequent accidents involving two-wheelers. It’s dangerous,” said Asha Jadhav, a local shopkeeper.

Apart from safety concerns, residents have also highlighted health and environmental issues. The constant movement of tankers through narrow village lanes has disrupted daily life, especially during early mornings and afternoons. Loud engines, honking, and exhaust fumes have contributed to increasing levels of noise and air pollution.

“Sleep is a luxury now. We’re exhausted, and the pollution is unbearable. Even aquatic life like fish in our ponds is dying,” lamented Rajesh Koli, a fisherman from Koliwada.

Experts warn that the rampant illegal water extraction is causing a sharp decline in groundwater levels and threatening the long-term sustainability of the region’s water supply.

In a directive earlier this year, the Maharashtra water resources department had instructed district administrations to register criminal cases and seize tankers found extracting water illegally on or before the 5th of every month, followed by a compliance report. However, villagers allege there has been no visible enforcement of this mandate.

“This is a serious lapse in governance,” said activist Meena More, who has been campaigning for water conservation. “The government must immediately seal the illegally operated wells, seize all unauthorized tankers, and file criminal charges against those involved. Only then can we ensure our water resources are protected.”

“I will direct the Tahsildar Mira Bhayandar to do the needful,” Urmila Patil, SDO, Thane, said when asked to comment. Commissioner MBMC and additional tahsildar were unavailable for comment.

With rising temperatures and water levels falling fast, residents fear that if immediate action is not taken, Bhayandar could soon be facing an unprecedented water crisis.