NMC to launch drive against water wastage & misuse from April 13

Nashik: The civic administration will roll out a citywide special enforcement drive from April 13 to curb water wastage and civic supply misuse, with provisions for fines and the seizure of illegally installed equipment, officials said on Tuesday.According to the officials, the drive will be carried out across all six municipal divisions under the supervision of divisional officers. "Inspections have shown that large amounts of water are being wasted because taps are not fitted on connections. In some localities, consumers have illegally connected electric motors to pipelines, which reduces water pressure for neighbouring households and leads to uneven distribution," an official said.An office order issued by the Nashik municipal commissioner on April 7 stated that the special campaign would be conducted from April 13. During inspections, consumers found without taps would be fined Rs 100, and taps would be installed immediately, it stated, adding that if water meters was found to be missing, non-functional or tampered with, penal action would be taken under existing rules, and billing would be done accordingly.The officials said that electric motors found directly connected to water supply pipelines would be permanently seized, and a fine of Rs 500 would be imposed on the concerned consumers. Instances of water wastage would also attract a penalty of Rs 100, they said.To ensure effective implementation, the water supply department will deploy junior engineers, supervisors and technicians on a ward-wise basis. "Dedicated fitters and plumbers will be appointed to install taps where required, while meter readers and water supply staff will assist in detecting violations and initiating action," another official said.Police personnel and security guards will be deployed to provide protection to inspection teams, and electricians will accompany squads to assist in the seizure of illegally connected motors. Nashik Municipal Corporation has appealed to the residents to cooperate with the campaign and use drinking water responsibly.