Residents take to illegal ways to draw water

Satinder Pal Singh

Zirakpur, June 9

In violation of the norms, rampant use of submersible pumps to draw underground water is being witnessed in the city.

It is one of the major causes of the dwindling water table. These submersible pumps have been installed even in those areas in the city and villages that have piped water supply facility.

A visit to the areas by this correspondent reveals that in almost every second house in the city, Tullu pumps have been installed in violation of the norms. However, officials concerned have no answer to the question that why the municipal authorities are reluctant to take action against those violating the civic norms.

Residents who have installed Tullu pumps justified their action, stating that they get water from the MC at low pressure and have to face difficulty in meeting water requirement for domestic purpose. These pumps, however, have aggravated the problem of water scarcity for residents who depend solely on routine supply. 

Even area councillors were seen defending residents who are using pumps to draw water. They said the low pressure was forcing them to opt for such practices.

Hakam Singh, a resident of Zirakpur, alleged that excessive exploitation of groundwater was fallout of the failure of the authorities in providing water with enough pressure to the residents. This prompted people to resort to installing ‘Tullu’ pumps and submersible borewells in their houses. He said piped water was unable to reach first and second floors.

“People residing at the first and second floors are not getting water. They are totally dependent on ‘Tullu pumps’ installed at their houses to meet their day-to-day requirements,” rued another resident.

Officials of the Municipal Council, Zirakpur could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.