The Times of India   31.08.2012

Surat Municipal Corporation to extend time limit for regularization of illegal water connections in city

URAT: Following the very poor response from the citizens , Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to extend the limit for regularization of illegal water connections up to March 31, 2012.The three proposals for extension will come up in the coming Standing committee meeting and will be approved as in the city with a population of 46 lakh and 11 lakh registered houses, the number of legal water connections are just 5 lakh.

SMC supplies 750 MLD of potable water to more than 90 per cent areas of the city limit but the water theft through illegal connections is rampant. In the city areas like Kataragm and Varacha where illegal building constructions have taken place in large number in past , the number of illegal connections is very high.In the new developing areas of the city water meters are installed and water audit has started but the existing illegal connections are a big problem for the civic body.

NG Parekh Hydraulic Engineer SMC said, "We have planned to give one final chance to the people to get their water connections regularized . After that we will taken severe punitive action."The proposals made for the purpose are for extension up to March 2013, provide water facility to the constructions taken place before 2010 and regularize water connections for the buildings which have come up after 2010 by charging premium.