The Indian Express 16.04.2013
Water wastage: On first day of drive, 45 defaulters challaned
The civic body holds an annual drive from April 15 to June 30 in order to check wastage of water.
As many as 14 teams of the Municipal Corporation, headed by an SDO, visited different sectors between 6.30 am and 8.30 am. The residents who were found watering their lawns or washing cars and courtyards, using hosepipes, were fined.
The maximum defaulters were found in the cluster comprising sectors 17, 18, 19 and 20. A total of 10 people were challaned. Seven challans were issued in the cluster comprising sectors 21, 22, 34 and 35. In some areas the teams found no defaulters.
Earlier, the Municipal Corporation used to issue notices to the residents for the first violation. Thereafter, a fine of Rs 500 was imposed. Since last year, the civic body instead of issuing notices has been handing over challans to the defaulters. The amount has also been increased to Rs 2,000. The defaulters can either pay on the spot, or the fine is added to the water bills.
During summers the demand for water increases, but the amount available remains the same. In order to ensure that the residents on the upper storeys receive adequate supply of water, use of water in the morning hours for irrigation purposes or for washing cars is prohibited.
Chandigarh receives 87 million gallons daily (mgd) of water. During peak summers, the demand increases to 116 mgd.
