Now, Rs 1,000 fine for wasting water

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, July 9

Now, wastage of water will invite a penalty of Rs 1,000 and on the second occasion, the fine will be doubled. But, third time, the water connection will be disconnected without any notice.

The Local Bodies Department has issued a letter to all civic bodies stating that there is a water crisis in many states due to drought, but it has been seen that people in Punjab are wasting water by washing cars every day, watering lawns and sprinkling it outside their houses or shops.

In a statement, MC Commissioner Dr Rishipal Singh said according to the directions of the Local Bodies Department, the residents found wasting water would be deal strictly and action would be initiated against them.

Divulging details, the MC Commissioner said, “At present, some states in the country are facing the drought problem and there is a hue and cry over not getting adequate drinking water. Due to which, people are moving towards other states. Residents in the state are wasting precious water by washing their cars and floors.”

He appealed to the residents to use water judiciously and not to waste drinking water so that in future, they should not have to face the problem of drinking water in the city.

The MC Commissioner added that washing vehicles and courtyards, watering lawns before 5 pm and wasting or misusing water for any other reason would invite a penalty.

Throwing light on the penalty, he said, “For the first time, a fine of Rs1,000 would be imposed for the violation. Second time, Rs2,000 will be charged from the violators. On the third occasion, the water connection will be disconnected and Rs5,000 as a penalty fee will be charged for reconnecting the connection.”

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath appealed to the residents to use water judiciously. He said according to the directions, challans would be issued for wasting water.

Local Bodies dept expresses concern

• The Local Bodies Department has issued a letter to all civic bodies stating that there is a water crisis in many states due to drought, but it has been seen that people in Punjab are wasting water by washing cars every day, watering lawns and sprinkling it outside their houses or shops. 
• In a statement, MC Commissioner Dr Rishipal Singh said according to the directions of the Local Bodies Department, the residents found wasting water would be deal strictly and action would be initiated against them.