PHE implements strict penalties for water wastage in B’la

Baramulla, June 28: In a bid to address the alarming issue of water wastage, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division in Baramulla on Wednesday introduced a stringent penalty system, including fines and disconnection of water connections, for those found guilty of wasting water.
An official advisory issued by the department reads that under the new regulations, individuals who are caught wasting water will be subjected to a fine of up to Rs 5000 per day.
“The penalty for a first offense has been set at Rs 2000, with subsequent offenses incurring a higher daily fine. Moreover, repeat offenders risk having their water connections disconnected,” the official advisory reads.
The offenses covered by the penalty system include the overflowing of water tanks and the misuse of potable water for various activities such as kitchen gardens, washing vehicles, floors, house exteriors, and irrigation.
Officials said that these actions not only deplete the already scarce water resources but also strain the existing infrastructure.
The officials of PHE department Baramulla said that to ensure the effective implementation of the penalties, the PHE Division encourages residents to report instances of water wastage.
“Individuals are urged to take photographs of such incidents and send them via email to [email protected] or lodge a complaint through the PHE (JSD) Baramulla helpline at 9906544437,” they said.
In addition to the penalties, the PHE Division advises residents to adopt water conservation practices as part of their daily routines.
“Simple measures, such as using valves or tank overflow alarms to prevent wastage, fixing leaks in pipes and toilets, and turning off taps when not in use, can significantly contribute to saving water,” the advisory further added.
The department also emphasizes the use of washbasins instead of running water and the avoidance of polluting water sources.
Furthermore, the guidelines suggest taking quick showers instead of baths and opting for brooms instead of hoses to clean walkways, entrances, and driveways.
“These practices, if followed diligently by the community, can play a crucial role in conserving the precious water resources in the region.”
Executive Engineer of the PHE (JSD) Baramulla said that this initiative signifies a concerted effort to address the pressing issue of water scarcity and emphasizes the need for collective action to protect this vital resource for future generations.
The PHE Division Baramulla urged all residents to embrace these guidelines and contribute to a sustainable and water-secure future for Baramulla.
The past week has seen ongoing protests by residents from numerous villages in Pattan, Sopore, Rafiabad, and other areas of Baramulla district due to a severe shortage of drinking water.
Officials from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department have shifted the blame onto the people, claiming that locals are utilizing the available drinking water for purposes such as kitchen gardens, car washing, and unauthorized boosting, which exacerbates the scarcity issue.
However, the local residents accuse the authorities of displaying a lackadaisical attitude and failing to enforce proper usage of the drinking water facilities.
The locals claim that water is not distributed equally as certain individuals use boosters, while those at the tail end of the supply chain suffer from a lack of water.
Furthermore, they allege that inappropriate water pipes have been installed in various locations, and even some employees of the PHE department are allowing residents to use the boosters for personal benefits.