Board overlooks extra water lines
A RESIDENT claims many houses have secured illegal multiple water connections by paying a bribe. Linesmen look the other way, he says
Locals at Chaderghat division in the Old City protested against Water Board staff for providing multiple illegal water connections to some residents who willing to pay `5,000 per extra line.
They alleged that due to houses having more than one connection, pressure of water supply was low.
Mr Akram Ahmed, a resident of Chaderghat, said. “Though the supply is regular, we get less water in our houses due to low pressure. Many households have illegal connections and some draw water using motors.”
“Any plumber or the Water Board lineman can provide a connection from the main line and connect it to the house for some money. No Water Board staff has turned up here to check on the practice despite complaints. I have personally informed the lineman too. Consumers paying bills receive less water while violators enjoy free supply,” he alleged.
Board officials say it is difficult to identify illegal connections, unless the pipelines are dug up.
The board under the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme has invited consumers to complain of such connections to the division offices. It had offered to give genuine complainants 25 per cent of the fine imposed on the violators.
However, the board received very few complaints regarding illegal complaints.
The Board periodically issues notices and disconnects lines of defaulters. But this focuses on those who have not paid their water bills.
Linemen have been offered rewards to unearth illegal connections. These measures have not had much effect.
Sources said the board loses crores of rupees in unbilled water supply.