The Times of India   30.07.2012

Submersible pumps sprout up, MC says ‘not allowed’

The installation of submersible pumps within the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation goes on unabated while the corporation looks the other way. This indiscriminate pumping of underground water is leading to a further fall in the water table of the city which is already suffering due to less rain.

The MC supplies water to all the colonies under its jurisdiction. In the beginning, tullu pumps came up all over the city with the plea that the pressure of water supply was not enough to reach the upper floors of the house.

However, people are now opting for submersible pumps in various colonies. One such pump was recently installed in Kitchloo Nagar area. “The timing of water supply by the LMC is fixed. At times, one forgets to get up and switch on the motor to fill water. Even the servants forget and then we have to suffer. In such a case, a submersible pump is the best option, for in this case we do not have to wait for LMC water supply and can get water at our own will,” said a resident, who did not want to be identified.

Erratic power supply, mismanagement of tubewells and other such reasons are offered in the form of justification. But the ground reality is that installing a submersible pump within the LMC limits is not allowed.

Municipal Commissioner Rakesh Verma said, “Submersible pumps are not allowed. I will see that checks are conducted to make sure that such things do not happen.”