Chandigarh: Wasting Water? Be Prepared To Shell Out Rs 2,000 As Fine

In a bid to save water during this summer season, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has come up with a strict multi-pronged solution to check water wastage. Starting April 15, those who are found wasting water will have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000 to the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (CMC). A repeat offender’s water connection will be suspended without any prior notice. The water conservation drive will continue till June 30.

What does the statement say?

According to The Indian Express, Commissioner Municipal Corporation K K Yadav has said that different kinds of violations with varying degrees of penalties have been drafted. The corporation has asked the residents to prohibit watering of lawns, washing cars, courtyards, between 4 am and 8 am. Additionally, any other means of wasting water like leakage, overflow, use of booster pump directly on the water supply line and wastage due to non-installation of bib taps will invite fines.

A statement issued by the commissioner read, “Due to an increase in demand of drinking water in the summer, watering of lawns, washing of courtyards and washing of vehicles etc. in the morning water supply hours is prohibited with effect from April 15 to June 30. Consumption of water for the following actions/reasons shall be considered as wastage and misuse of water shall invite penalty along with disconnection being illegal as per provisions of water supply bylaws.”

Once a violation has been detected by the corporation’s sub-divisional officers, the violator will have to shell out Rs 2,000 as fine, which will be recovered through regular water bills. Additionally, any other materials used by the violators, like hosepipe and boosters will be confiscated by the MC. If violator repeats the offence even after getting penalised, their water connection will be suspended without prior notice.

The MC has constituted 12 teams to conduct the drive who will keep a ground level check on offences. Reportedly, people can even click pictures of the offence. The team of officers will go to the location to inspect and challan the violator on the basis of the evidence. This drive is to ensure that people in the city do not run out of drinking water during this summer season. Reportedly, during the summer season, the city requires 116 Millions of Gallons per Day (MGD) and at present, it is only getting 85 MGD.

While the MC has vowed to impose the restrictions strictly, it has asked the citizens to cooperate to help the MC in conserving water during the summer. In addition to Chandigarh, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Sectors 66 to 80) is also set to impose similar restrictions from May 1.

Water is an ever-precious commodity and the need for clean drinking water only increases during the summer season. However, irrespective of the season, citizens should be mindful about their water usage. The Logical Indian applauds CMC’s move and at the same time, urges the citizens to conserve water for the coming days.

Also Read: Two Bengaluru Girls Are On A Mission To Prevent Wastage Of Water In Restaurants