12 challans issued for wastage of water

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 20

The Municipal Corporation has issued only 12 challans for wasting water ever since it launched a drive. Each person was fined Rs1,000 for the violation.

An MC official said eight teams consisting two officials had been formed to keep an eye on the wastage of water.

Makhan Lal, office superintendent W/S and sewerage, Municipal Corporation, said, “In the past few days, our drive against wastage of water was affected due to waterlogging after rain. People’s perception regarding the usage of water has changed a lot. Now, a majority of the people hesitate to waste water by washing their lawns and vehicles.”

He said, “I will ask the staff to conduct a survey of colonies in the morning as reports of water wastage come during these hours of the day.”

Even vehicles that pick garbage also make people aware of the importance of water through regular announcements, he added.

However, a visit to various residential colonies, including Veer Colony and Vishal Nagar, depicted a different picture. A few residents were seen wasting water by washing their cars.

In June, the state government had asked the civic bodies to take strict action against those who misuse water. It also asked the authorities to impose a fine of Rs1,000 on the violators.

On the second time, the offenders have to pay Rs2,000. The water supply connection will be disconnected if anyone makes the violation for the third time. The connection will be restored after the paying a penalty of Rs5,000.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath had said photographs or videos of violators could also be sent on WhatsApp of MC officials.