How is the filling of tankers monitored in the cities?
24 Apr, 2012Information sought through an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act about the number of tankers filled at Patwardhanbaug tanker filling point of Pune has revealed a figure which differs from that obtained by the video recording. The reply to the RTI application revealed that only 28 tankers were filled between 9.15 am till 6.15 pm while the video recording by the Sajag Nagarik Manch (SNM) showed that 34 tankers were filled during that period. The non recording of six tankers, i.e. at least 60,000 litres of water, indicates severe water mismanagement. The city of Pune alone has 20 such tanker filling points hence, the SNM has claimed that in the absence of water meters, the quantity of water that goes 'missing' each day is enormous.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) charges a fine ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 for diversion of potable water for activities like construction, washing of vehicles, gardening etc. and has collected Rs 25,150 as fine from 61 cases of water misuse.