The Times of India              04.06.2013

MC to haul up illegal water pump installers

CHANDIGARH: After the intensive drive and action against those who do not pay bills and steal potable water, action against those installing illegal pumping motors inside residential and commercial complexes could be on the cards.

Violators do so by puncturing main water supply lines. The MC identified zones where the malpractice is rampant.

In an internal study and secret survey by the civic body, it was found that residents have punctured main water supply pipelines and installed electrical motors.

"In almost all areas where rehabilitation colonies exist, such water supply pipelines have been passing through areas between residences. People have constructed permanent structures by enhancing boundaries till the pipes.

They have punctured the pipeline and installed motors. Even in big houses, people have adopted same tactics. Many commercial complexes are also using gallons of water in this manner," said a senior MC official. "Not only residents of rehabilitation colonies, even people of well-off sectors have installed motors drawing water from main pipelines after puncturing them. This not only helps access water of neighboring residences, but also heightens chances of contamination. We plan to curb this and you will see results soon. If needed Strict section will be incorporated in water bylaws," said mayor Subash Chawla.

MC's superintending engineer R C Diwan said, "Installation of any machine or motor by damaging the existing pipeline is an offence. Those doing this can be penalized."