Many commercial establishments and small factories in Ludhiana are getting free water and sanitation services. They are making misuse of a government scheme that exempts houses with an area of less than 125 square yards (105 square metres) from paying water and sewer bills.
Most houses in Millerganj, Shimlapuri and Janta Nagar areas in Ludhiana have been converted into commercial units and are not paying water or sewer bills. According to the Municpal Corporation (MC) records, they are still in the category of residential accommodation.
These facts came to light when a group of residents from Millerganj area went to enquire about their water and sewer bills which they had not been receiving for some time. The MC staff, however, told them that as their area is not more than 125 square yards, they have not been sent any bill.
Pawan Sood, a consumer who went to pay the bill, however, clarified that he runs an office. The MC staff then prepared the bill accordingly, which the owner paid. But a number of other houses in the area are still enjoying free service while the MC staff are sleeping over this issue.
MC Zonal Commissioner Amarjit Singh Sekhon said, “A resolution has been passed by the Corporation states if the usage of water is only for home activities and not for commercial purpose, the bill can be waived. However, if the entire building is commercial or if a full-fledged factory is operating, then they need to pay the bill. We will conduct a survey from April 1 and hence they will be covered.”
In Janta Nagar, Shimlapuri and other areas, most houses have residential accommodation upstairs and factories below. Yet, a majority do not pay any bill. Hence, a fresh survey needs to be done in the area.
Source: Raakhi Jagga, Indian Express, 31 Mar 2010
