Valves stolen from water pipeline in Chimur's Kajalsar, village faces deeper water crisis

Water scarcity was already a problem in Kajalsar village in Chimur taluka, and thieves have now targeted the village's water supply scheme itself. Unidentified thieves removed valves from the pipeline that carries water to the village. Villagers are distressed and fear the water problem will worsen.

The water supply scheme of the Kajalsar gram panchayat, near Neri, supplies the whole village. The scheme's pipeline passes through farmland, and the valves fitted on it have been stolen. Villagers suspect the valves may have been removed to water crops in the fields. However, the real reason for the theft is not yet clear.

The matter came to light on Thursday, when water was not seen reaching the village water tank. When the tank did not fill for a long time, the water supply scheme was inspected. It was then found that the pipeline valves had been stolen.

The gram panchayat administration then immediately lodged a complaint at the Chimur police station. Following the complaint, an investigation is under way led by Sub-Inspector Prakash Derkar, under the guidance of the Chimur police inspector. Major Chaudhari and Police Constable Nannaware are also part of the investigation.

Villagers of Kajalsar have demanded that the police investigate the matter thoroughly and arrest the unidentified thieves as soon as possible. They want the stolen valves recovered and strict legal action taken against the guilty. They also hope the gram panchayat will immediately take steps to restore the water supply.

Rivers, streams and ponds in the area have dried up, making the water shortage already serious. At such a time, the theft of equipment from the water supply scheme is a major blow for people. If the supply is disrupted because of the valve theft, people may have to wander about in search of water. This has created an atmosphere of worry in the village.