Earthmovers at a construction site ruptured the main water pipeline at Bistupur on Tuesday because of which there was no supply to residential quarters of Tata Steel employees on L-Road and M-Road.

Anxious residents lodged a complaint with utilities firm Jusco after which it used tankers to supply water to the homes accommodating over 50 families.

Bijay Singh, a supervisor working for city-based builder Sun Constructions, said an excavator working at their site damaged the pipeline by mistake.

“We are concerned about the damage caused to the Jusco pipeline resulting in inconvenience to local residents. We expect the pipeline to be repaired within 24 hours,” he told The Telegraph.

Digging work at the site began two days ago. On Tuesday, the site resembled a pond, flooded as it was as a result of the damage to the pipeline.

“After waking up in the morning, I went to the washroom only to realise there was no water. On checking, I came to know that water was not supplied this (Tuesday) morning,” said a resident of an apartment on L-Road, adding that since Jusco never suspended supply without prior notice, he realised something was amiss.

“Then, after checking with neighbours and walking down the road, I realised that the main pipeline had been damaged due to digging work,” he said.

Jusco confirmed it received complaints from several residents of L-Road and M-Road.

“We looked into the matter and soon realised that the main pipeline was damaged at a construction site on L-Road. We will mend the pipeline after an enquiry,” a Jusco official said, adding that the construction firm should have taken adequate precautions while digging.

“In fact, the firm should have sought our guidance since we maintain the drinking water supply system, the sewage and also the drainage system. Those responsible for such reckless acts should be penalised,” the official said.