The Indian Express 16.04.2013
Water wastage: On first day of drive, 45 defaulters challaned
The Municipal Corporation challaned 45 people for water wastage on
the first day of the drive on Monday. Fine of Rs 2,000 each was imposed
on the defaulters.
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.
