Nagpur reservoirs at 58% after weak rain, NMC plans fines up to Rs 5,000 for wasting water

Nagpur has received less rain this time, and the effect is beginning to show in the reservoirs that supply the city. They now hold only 58 per cent water. With a water crisis possible ahead, the municipal corporation (NMC) has begun taking a tough line to stop wastage.

An emergency meeting was called under the chairmanship of Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar to stop unnecessary use of water. Directions were given for a thorough inspection of all car washing centres and swimming pools in the city. The administration will check whether drinking water is being used at these places without authorisation or in excess of need. Strict action will be taken against establishments that break the rules.

A penalty is also being readied for misuse of drinking water. Using drinking water for washing cars, cleaning roads, gardening and construction work could attract a fine of up to Rs 5,000 per case. The administration wants drinking water to be used only for essential household needs.

A special drive will also be run in the city against illegal connections. Camps will be held at NMC zonal offices to give consumers with illegal connections a chance to regularise them. If any irregularity or tampering with water meters is found after that, a police case will be registered.

The NMC is also pressing for alternative water sources. The quality of water in the city's wells will be tested, after which the wells will be cleaned. There is a plan to start small water supply schemes with solar pumps, with the help of the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA). Water from these sources could be used for non-drinking purposes such as washing and gardening.

Under the guidance of the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency, it has been decided to build as many rainwater harvesting structures as possible and to bring wells and borewells back into use. Decentralised sewage treatment plants will also be set up to increase the use of treated water in gardens and construction work.

Directions have also been given to fix leaks in the city's main water supply pipelines immediately. Additional Commissioner Ankit, Additional Commissioner Murugananthan M., Chief Engineer Leena Upadhye, senior officials of the water supply department and representatives of OCW were present at the meeting.