Punjab to impose fine on people misusing potable water

In view of scarcity of drinking water during this summer, Punjab government today said fines would be imposed on people who misuse potable water for washing cars and watering lawns during the daytime.
To check the misuse of potable water, fines have been proposed to be levied for the first time offender at Rs 1,000, second time Rs 2,000 and if repeated third time, water connection will be disconnected along with a fine of Rs 5,000, Punjab Local Government Minister Anil Joshi said in a statement here.
The Local Government department has issued instructions to all Urban Local Bodies to take effective measures to check the misuse of water in view of the scarcity of drinking water this summer.

Joshi said the ban will be applicable on cleaning of cars, verandas with hose pipes, and for watering of lawns during day time, which should be done only after 5 PM.
The Minister appealed to people to cooperate for their own benefit and take it as a movement and ensure its success.
He has directed officers of the department to submit a fortnightly report in this regard.
Also in view of the increasing temperatures across the state, he also directed the Urban Local Bodies to make adequate arrangements for fire fighting and make sure there is no shortage of required equipment.