Pune civic body to fine water wastage, with case on third violation

The Pune Municipal Corporation will now fine those who waste drinking water in the city. Washing centres will have to stay shut during water cuts. Use of drinking water in swimming pools, private gardens, construction and road works has also been banned. Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale said violators of these rules will be fined for the first two violations, and a case will be registered against those who offend a third time.

To keep a close account of the water available in the city and prevent its wastage, the civic body has taken special steps. Additional Municipal Commissioner Pavneet Kaur has issued the official orders. Responsibility for implementation has been given to the water supply department, along with the ward offices and the garden, construction development, building design and roads departments.

During water cuts, both government and private vehicle washing centres must remain closed. A centre found operating will be fined Rs 10,000. Centres that use water from their own private borewell or well have been allowed to operate three days a week, on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Pouring drinking water into private and public swimming pools and private gardens is prohibited. A fine of Rs 10,000 will apply for violations here too.

Building construction, road works and ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in the city will not get the civic body's drinking water. These works will have to use treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) or water from borewells and wells. Contractors who break the rule will be fined Rs 10,000, and action will also be taken to halt the work.

An unauthorised tap connection, if found, will be shut off immediately and a fine of Rs 5,000 imposed. Legal action will follow if a person takes an unauthorised connection again. Overflowing water tanks will attract a fine of Rs 1,000, and a leaking water tanker will attract a fine of Rs 10,000. Instructions have also been issued to repair leaks in water supply lines immediately.

Notices will be sent to housing societies whose sewage treatment plants lie unused, asking them to restart the plants. Residents will be advised to use the treated water in gardens and toilet flushes. An awareness campaign will be run on installing automatic float valves so that tanks do not overflow.

Each department must appoint a nodal officer to implement the order. A report on the action taken must be submitted to the water supply department by the 15th of every month. Civic officials and employees who are negligent in implementation will also face disciplinary action.