RMC cuts 100 illegal water connections

RAJKOT, April 26: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation has cut water connections to more than 100 residents who were caught using electric motors to draw water from civic lines. RMC officials are carrying out daily checks to detect water theft after complaints regarding non-availability or water being received with less force have flooded RMC office with the advent of summer.

Areas at Nyari zone receiving water from Nyari dam on three consecutive days received water at less pressure. It was detected that water theft and widespread use of electric motors were responsible for this. Municipal commissioner Raj Gopal then ordered a house to house checking by officials of the water works department. City engineer K D Bhalodia said that if a person uses electric motor to draw more water, supply in three houses surrounding it will be affected.

He said that it was very difficult to catch people using electric motors as when the officials approach the house they put them off.

However, those caught in the act complained that they are forced do it as water pressure is generally very less. But the RMC contends that if people were receiving less water they should register a complaint with the RMC. Bhalodia said that until now they have tried to solve such complaints regarding less force of water. They have even changed the time of water supply in some areas to ensure that they get enough water.