UID survey helps MC detect illegal water connections

Ludhiana: With the UID (unique identity) survey of properties bringing to the fore a huge difference between the actual number of properties and those who pay water and sewerage bills, the Ludhiana municipal corporation has decided to crack a whip on illegal connections and defaulters.
The MC will begin action from block 29 of the city where total UID numbers have been allotted to 69,000 properties, out of which only 18,000 have got water and sewerage connections.
Out of 18,000 connections, only 7,000 pay bills to the civic body while the rest 11,000 properties enjoy exemptions.
Block 29 includes Jugiana, Dhandhari, Sherpur and adjoining areas and it is one of the biggest blocks in zone C of the MC.
An official, on the condition of anonymity, said the situation is similar in outer blocks of the city. From block 28 to 37, almost every block has a great difference in total UID numbers and approved water supply and sewerage connections. He said in block 31, total UID numbers have been allotted to 71,000 properties, but the MC sends bills to only 37,000 properties, a difference of almost 34000 properties.
The civic officials will start a survey in these areas to check UID numbers allotted to houses, commercial properties, public parks. The residents who will not be able to prove their connections are legal will be asked to get their connections legalized or their connections will be disconnected.
Mayor Balkar Sandhu said, “Overall, the UID survey has pointed out a difference of almost 1.25 lakh properties. And now we will have to find the defaulters. It will apply brakes on illegal water supply and sewerage connections and also bring revenue for the civic body.”
Notably, UID numbers were allotted to city properties aiming to keep check on defaulters. As all services of the civic body are now getting linked with UID numbers, such details are coming to the fore, officials said.