Water wastage at complex in Patiala's Chhoti Baradari irks office-goers

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 6

Water wastage at the Beant Singh Complex in Chhoti Baradari has raised many an eyebrow. Office-goers, who worked in the complex, complained regarding the issue. They said potable water leaked from overhead rooftop tanks. Meanwhile, officials of the Municipal Corporation (MC) said they would inquire into the matter.

The long-pending issue had failed draw attention of civic body officials. A chartered accountant, who works in the complex, posted a video of water leaking from overhead tanks, which accumulated in the parking area behind the building. “There is no limit to wastage of clean drinking water here. People at other places don’t have easy access to potable water,” he said.

Another office-goer and activist in the building said, “Water leaks from rooftop tanks continuously. The lapse is on part of none other than those, who manage the building. This has damaged the rear side of the building. Even trees have grown from concrete at some places in the building.”

“As per directions of the Department of Local Government, Punjab, all officials of Municipal Corporations and councils have been directed to ensure that there is no wastage of water in the urban areas. Those involved in wastage of water can be penalised. Their water connections can be disconnected on repeated violations,” he added.

When contacted, officials of the MC said, “It’s the duty of employees working in the Beant Singh Complex to check water wastage.”

Municipal Corporation Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said, “We are under-staffed. So, we can’t go on rooftops to check the violation. Otherwise, the MC acts on complaints raised on our portal. Also, the MC does not manage the complex. We have already provided cleanliness workers there. However, I will direct officials of the department concerned to look into the matter.”