Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation launches drive to regularise unauthorised water connections
The civic body has warned that unauthorised connections will be disconnected if they are not regularised before the 24X7 water supply project deadline.
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched a special drive to regularise unauthorised water connections in the twin cities, according to a report by Deccan Herald. An exercise to identify these connections is currently underway as the city works to implement a 24X7 water supply project.
The project requires all water connections to be metered, with eight months remaining before the implementation deadline. While the number of unauthorised connections was estimated at 33,000 three years ago, sources in the HDMC suggest the figure may reach nearly 60,000.
HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali said that nearly half of the water being supplied is non-revenue water due to unauthorised connections. He stated that this is the last chance for such connections to be regularised, adding that disconnection will be the last resort.
The Karnataka Urban Infrastructure and Development Corporation (KUIDFC), which is supervising the project, said L&T has identified 4,265 unauthorised connections in the first phase. To regularise a connection, users must follow the same procedures as new connections and pay a Rs 1,500 fine.
KUIDFC officials noted that monthly water bill collection, currently around Rs 4 crore, could reach Rs 4.60 crore if all connections are legalised. Those with unauthorised connections are asked to visit their nearest HDMC zonal office to submit documents and pay charges.
Regarding project progress, KUIDFC officials said 69,000 out of 1.20 lakh targeted connections have been made fit for 24X7 water. Lakamanahalli and Nrupatunga Betta areas have been newly brought under the network, while trials continue in different locations.