Aslam Shah
KARACHI: Karachi’s chronic water crisis is deepened not by scarcity alone, but by a powerful nexus of illegal hydrants, corrupt officials, and political patronage. Despite repeated pledges, the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has failed to dismantle the hydrant mafia that continues to rob the city of millions of gallons daily.
In August, KWSC’s official hydrant revenues fell to Rs310 million-far below potential. This does not include income from the lucrative NLC (defense) hydrant. Two controversial hydrants at NEPA and Safora, set up in violation of Supreme Court directives, were recently fined Rs10 million each, yet continue to operate.
The apex court had originally permitted only seven hydrants-one per district, including a dedicated NLC hydrant for defense institutions. Instead, 10 hydrants now function under KWSC’s protection, turning water into a profitable parallel industry. Under former hydrant chief Khalid Farooqui, official earnings touched Rs370 million in a single month.
But alongside legal hydrants, more than two dozen illegal hydrants flourish in Karachi. From Chakragoth in Korangi to Manghopir, Orangi, Peerabad, Mochko, and Keamari, hydrants pump millions of gallons under cover of darkness. The notorious Chakragoth hydrant is reportedly run under the supervision of political figure Qasir Baloch, with full knowledge of water board insiders.
In recent weeks, major textile units on Mehran Highway-including Denim International, Ibrahim Textile, M.N. Textile, and Feroze Textile-were accused of direct water theft. Cases were quietly dropped after what sources describe as “heavy payments” to senior officers.
The KWSC’s own Anti-Theft Cell, meant to curb water pilferage, stands accused of collusion. FIRs have been registered, but not a single arrest has been made. No official or employee has been held accountable. Tankers, meters, and illegal connections continue to function openly.
Investigations reveal hydrants are illegally tapping main pipelines-24, 33, 48, and 66 inches in diameter-while subsoil bores linked to KWSC’s system supply the black market. Entire neighborhoods, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Dalmia Road, Patel Para, Sohrab Goth, and Hub, are home to thriving clandestine hydrants.
Meanwhile, the NLC hydrant on Superhighway, originally established to supply defense institutions at government rates, has become a purely commercial venture. Water bought from KWSC at Rs40 per 1,000 gallons is being resold at Rs3 per gallon-nearly 75 times higher. Revenue bypasses the corporation and flows into private pockets.
KWSC has now decided to place the hydrant under its Hydrant Cell’s supervision. In-charge Sadiq Tanio promises reforms, including CCTV monitoring, bulk meters, and transparent supply records. A new contract is awaiting approval from CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui.
