Civic body plans to charge for water, sewerage in colonies

Tribune News Service
Patiala, February 11

The Municipal Corporation (MC), Patiala, is mulling over providing legal water and sewerage connections to those living in the colonies constructed on the leased out land in the city. The plan will be tabled in the MC House meeting on Thursday, which is expected to bring revenue in crores. Those living in the colonies have been using the land over the years without ownership rights.

Sunil Mehta, Superintendent, Water and Sanitation, said the MC planned to provide legal connections to residents as the water supply and sewerage network installed by the MC had already being used illegally by them. “This way, the MC will be able to earn revenue from it,” he said.  

He said water and sewerage connections would be provided at Sanjay Colony, Dhakka Colony, Indira Colony, Gurbaksh Colony, Bishan Nagar and others. 

 The MC does not have data regarding the number of properties in such colonies. Officials said around 30 per cent of the properties in the city could be on lease. 

Officials said the MC would collect security charges, connection fee and other charges. 

Residents in the city said, “The MC has taken the decision keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind. According to conditions, an applicant can provide the certification of residence, given by two councillors, as a proof of possession of the said property. They should use only documents to justify the possession. This could lead to harassment to the applicants.”   

Fact file

• The plan will be tabled in the MC House meeting on Thursday, which is expected to bring revenue in crores. Those living in the colonies have been using the land over the years without ownership rights.
• Officials said the MC would collect security charges, connection fee and other charges. 
• The MC does not have data regarding the number of properties in such colonies. Officials said around 30 per cent of the properties in the city could be on lease.