Jamshedpur, June 13: In a bid to stop illegal water tapping in many areas of steel city, Jamshedpur Utilities Services Company (Jusco) plans to approach the district administration for necessary help.

The decision was taken after three officials, including an engineer, were beaten up by residents of Bhuiyandih on Friday night. The officials had gone to repair a mainline water connection there.

Jusco, a cent per cent subsidiary of the steel major, Tata Steel, was formed to ensure better civic amenities for the people of the city.

Sources in Jusco said the company was not only worried about the loss and wastage of water due to illegal theft, but also concerned about the safety and security of its officials and engineers.

“We have to supply water to people living in Tata Steel’s command areas. Our officials have to visit those areas frequently to repair water connections and install water meters. How can they work if such incidents of physical abuse are repeated?” said sources.

Jusco managing director Sanjeev Paul said they would seek district administration's help in overcoming the menace of water pilferage. “We will discuss the idea of seeking the district administration’s help in our next meeting. Such incidents of assault might demoralise our staff,” Paul said.

According to him, illegal tapping was particularly rampant in Bhuiyandih and Baridih. “Though it is prevalent in many areas, Bhuiyandih and Baridih top the list,” he said.

The Jusco chief also informed that the company loses 10 to 12 million gallons of water per day due to tapping. “We supply about 36 million gallons to our command areas on a daily basis. In the due course of tapping, they leave the water lines damaged, which subsequently affects the entire system,” Paul said.

He added that a large quantity of water is wasted in the process. “People should understand that they get water at a nominal cost. They are not even charged Re 1 daily for regular supply of water. Then why go for illegal tapping?” Paul added.

He, however, refused to comment on the amount of money lost due to daily pilferage of water at different localities. He said the company was yet to work out the loss of money.

As a remedy, Paul suggested that the people should be made aware about the problem. “Water is precious and should not be wasted,” he said, adding that support from the district administration would not only prevent illegal water tapping, but also allow the company to save large quantity of water.