New Delhi: Delhi Jal Board (DJB) responsible for supplying potable water to the water starved capital city-which doesn’t have a water source of its own plans to impose hefty fines on those people who are caught misusing water. This move will deter people who wash their cars or water their garden with potable waters thus wasting precious water.

DJB has proposed a fine of Rs. 2000 for misusing potable water for any other purpose than its sanctioned use; say if a consumer is using its water connection for commercial use where as the connection is for domestic use, he will be fined Rs. 2000 for misuse under the new provisions. For speedy issuance of challans to those caught misusing their connection, the DJB has sought the appointments of special magistrates.

Currently the proposal is with the Delhi government awaiting final approval. Once approved the DJB will write to High Court seeking appointment of special magistrates.

Any one caught misusing their connection during inspections will be reported to the special magistrate by the DJB staff who will issue the challan. The challans issued by the special magistrate will be akin to the one issued by traffic school and delivered to consumer’s address.

According to the DJB, this move is not only intended to deter consumer from wasting water but also encouraging them to save water. In the words of DJB CEO, Arun Mathur, “We are making extra water available to the city through Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the recycling plants at our WTP’s. But water is precious and not a completely renewable resource. The need of the hour is to save water and we want to make consumer realize this.”

The plan flouted by the DJB will not only cover misuse of potable water but also to those who are caught stealing water. They will also be fined Rs. 2000.
Currently DJB is working out a plan to impose it and once approved will be implemented strictly, according to DJB officials.