The Hindu 15.11.2011
GMC's tough stand on water connections irks builders
Most of the apartments in Guntur are now dependent on tankers
Water tankers being used to fill the sumps in apartments in Krishna Nagar in Guntur — Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
The cup of woes for the residents who have preferred the safety of apartments in recent months is getting fuller. Most of these apartments are now without water and are dependant on water tankers. The Guntur Municipal Corporation, which has been clearing the building plans in a jiffy for some months, is accused by builders of being tightfisted when it comes to providing water connection.
“There are 60 to 70 apartments, which are without water connection. We are getting tired of making rounds to the GMC's office to get things done. We will soon meet the Commissioner and submit a written memorandum,” says Kolla Syam, secretary of Builders' Welfare Association. The apartments, which have come up recently at Krishna Nagar, Chandramouli Nagar, Vidya Nagar Extension Colony, S.V.N. Colony, and Gujjangundla have been the worst hit.
The GMC collects Rs.47,200 per connection which could meet the requirements of 16 flats. If an apartment has more than 16 flats, the builder has to apply for another connection.
Latest guidelines
“We are depending on tankers to meet our requirements. Borewells too are not working as groundwater levels in most areas have been plummeting,” says Sd. Nyub Kamal, a resident of Krishna Nagar. Each tanker costs Rs.750 forcing flat owners to foot the monthly water bills in addition to the half-yearly water tax. But money is not the issue here as builders are concerned with the latest guidelines which make it mandatory for all apartments to have an Occupancy Certificate (OC) to apply for a water connection under the guidelines as per the G.O. Ms. No. 678.
“There are many builders who have not submitted OCs issued by the Town Planning Department,” says Executive Engineer, GMC, Surendra. Issuance of OC has placed the onus on builders to construct the building as per the revised building regulations.
The GMC officials also aver that water connections will not be given for those residential owners who have not applied for the Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS).
