Suspicious Bone-Like Objects Found In Asarwa Water Tank; Questions Over AMC Inspection And Security

Suspicious bone-like objects were found inside an underground water tank at the Asarwa Village water distribution station during cleaning, prompting an investigation by the Shahibaug police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and raising questions over the maintenance and security of the civic facility.

The objects were discovered by workers engaged in cleaning the tank. The cleaning crew immediately alerted the AMC Engineering Department, following which the tank was drained and the police were informed.

The FSL team reached the site at around 8 pm on Wednesday and took the suspected objects into custody. Officials are now examining whether they are actually bones or some other material and investigating how they came to be inside the water tank.

Tank Last Cleaned In January 2025

The incident has also raised questions over the frequency of tank inspections and cleaning.

As per the mandatory procedure, such water tanks are required to be cleaned every six months. However, records indicate that the Asarwa Village tank was last cleaned in January 2025, meaning the latest cleaning took place nearly two years later.

The AMC Central Zone Engineering Department had engaged a contractor to carry out the cleaning work. The contract was reportedly awarded to Krunal Builders.

Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel has directed action against the agency responsible and asked officials to verify whether the mandatory six-monthly cleaning of civic water tanks is actually being carried out.

Foul-Smelling, Turbid Water Reportedly Triggered Complaints

The discovery has assumed greater significance amid complaints from residents about the quality of water supplied from the Asarwa pumping station.

Local resident Sanjay Patel said residents had been receiving turbid and foul-smelling water for several days. He alleged that despite complaints from locals, the tank was not inspected promptly.

He also raised concerns over security arrangements at the pumping station, alleging that adequate safeguards were not in place.

The allegations have put the spotlight on whether regular inspections, access controls and monitoring mechanisms at the water facility were functioning as required.

Tank Drained And Cleaned With Potassium Permanganate

Following the discovery, the AMC Water Operations Department drained the tank using a mud pump. The tank and its walls were subsequently cleaned with potassium permanganate before being washed and refilled.

Water supply will be restored after the required checks, including verification of chlorination levels.

Water supply in the Asarwa area is expected to return to normal from September 25.

FSL Probe To Establish What Was Found

For now, officials have not confirmed that the objects recovered from the tank are human or animal bones.

The police and FSL are examining the material to determine its exact nature and establish how it entered the underground tank.

The incident has, meanwhile, intensified questions over the regular cleaning, inspection and security of civic water infrastructure, particularly when residents had already complained about foul-smelling and turbid water.