Over a dozen fined for misuse of water

Over a dozen fined for misuse of water

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Special magistrate’s court goes into action

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DJB decides to get tough against water wastage

Two more courts in East and South Delhi soon

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NEW DELHI: A month after it began functioning, the Capital’s first special magistrate’s court at Kanhaiya Nagar in North Delhi has imposed penalties on 14 people for misuse of water.

Taking cognisance of rampant misuse of water from illegal tapping to wastage, the Delhi Jal Board had sought permission of the Delhi High Court to approve the proposal of deputing special magistrates to deal with complaints of water misuse.

At a hearing on January 30, the court of the special magistrate issued challans of Rs. 2,000 each to nine people for using water supplied by the Jal Board illegally.

“Fourteen people had been issued notices to appear before the court. However, only 12 appeared and three persons sought more time for complying with the court’s orders. These people were first issued notices to comply with the rules within 20 days failing which the court has issued summons and imposed penalties,” said Delhi Jal Board Director (Revenue) S. B. Shashank.

This is for the first time that the Jal Board has collected fines through the use of magistrates.

“Two more courts of special magistrates will start functioning soon at Yojana Vihar in East Delhi and Lajpat Nagar in South Delhi,” said Mr. Shashank.

While efforts to maximise the conservation of water and minimise wastage of water available to the Capital are under way, the Jal Board has decided to get tough against water wastage. It has announced penal action against the misuse of potable water and theft.

A section of Jal Board officials have been mandated to report all use of wrong practices, which will then be forwarded to the special magistrates’ courts. “There are strict provisions that water supplied for domestic use cannot be used for purposes like horticulture, washing cars, for use in construction activities, etc. Water being short in supply, it is imperative to use it judiciously,” said the Jal Board official.

The Delhi Water Board Act, 1998, allows levying of penalty for offences that include using potable water for non-domestic purposes, occupation of new premises without any arrangement for water supply, failure to give notice of intention to make addition to buildings and even for execution of work by a person other than a licensed plumber.

The Act has provision for imposing fines from Rs.100 to 500 per day, for offences like non-removal of private online booster that can invoke a penalty of Rs.2,000 besides confiscation of the booster while confiscation of the booster while construction or occupation of new premises without drains can incur a fine of Rs.10,000.

Source :- http://www.hinduonnet.com/2010/02/03/stories/2010020358880400.htm