NASHIK: Builders seeking approval for their building plans will have to submit affidavits to the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), assuring officials that they will not use drinking water for construction activities.

A decision to this effect was taken by the civic administration as part of water saving measures in view of the water shortage the city is facing.

An NMC official said, "Usage of drinking water for construction purposes has been banned by the civic body as the water level in Gangapur dam, the main source of drinking water, has declined. The builders, seeking approval for their building plans, will have to file an affidavit in the town planning department assuring the corporation that water supplied by NMC or any public source of water will not be used during construction."

The official added, "The builders will have to file an affidavit on a Rs-100 stamp paper along with the proposal for approval of their building plans."

With an aim to avoid water shortage in the future, the civic had imposed water cut across all six divisions from February 15, with 10 per cent water cut daily and once-a-week water supply on every Tuesday. Following opposition by corporators to once-a-week water supply, the civic administration cancelled once-a-week dry day and commenced one time daily water supply from March 18.

The water supply department has also suggested guidelines for judicious use of water, like using stored water instead of throwing it away, not to use drinking water for cleaning purposes and using water from borewells sparingly.

To report leakages in pipelines, valves and tanks to the civic body citizens can contact officials on 9423179145.