Tank overflowing? DJB may fine you

After receiving several complaints from residents’ welfare associations on water wasted from overflowing overhead tanks,the DJB has decided to use its three special courts set up in East,North and South Delhi to penalise violators.

Officials said the maximum complaints have been received from colonies such as Rohini,Pitampura,Sarita Vihar,Vasant Vihar and Mayur Vihar,among several others.

The DJB’s special courts,launched on January 2 this year,try all offences under the Delhi Water Board Act. Officials said the special courts have been a big deterrent in curbing illegal water connections. They have already earned over Rs 10 lakh for the Board in penalty over the last three months.

“Jal Board inspectors,junior engineers,zonal engineers and zonal revenue officers are authorised to penalise any violation under the Delhi Water Board Act,” DJB director (revenue) S B Shashank told Newsline. “We have identified areas that report maximum cases of water wastage,with overhead tanks overflowing. By next week,our teams would be mobilised to penalise such defaulters.”

The special courts,officials said,could levy either a one-time fine or a penalty for recurrent offence. For a first-time offence,and depending on the nature of violation,a consumer would be asked to pay a penalty of Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. If the offence is repeated,the court may impose a daily penalty — between Rs 50 and Rs 200 — till the violation is completely stopped.

DJB chief executive officer Ramesh Negi said: “People need to be educated about the importance of saving water. With most residents using online boosters,tanks on their rooftops often overflow and lead to massive wastage. We have tried to educate people through various media,and now we would also penalise them through the special courts.”

He said the DJB advises people to install special valves that cut off water supply once a tank is full.

The DJB itself has often been accused of wasting water to theft and leakages. Negi said,“We are now working towards plugging our leaking pipes. An extensive survey of the entire pipeline system has been done to replace defective pipes and all illegal connections are being closed in an ongoing drive.” At least 25 direct tappings each — that give high-pressure water supply round the clock — have been recently closed in West and East Delhi,he said.