Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 24

Despite the Municipal Corporation (MC) had formed a committee to keep a check on the installation of unauthorised submersible pumps, installation of such new pumps is common in various parts of the city.

Even no awareness is being initiated by the MC against the installation of new submersible pumps in those areas where water supply is available.

In view of the depleting groundwater level, a committee was formed by the civic body in February this year to keep a check on the unauthorised installation of submersible pumps. Questions are being raised over the role of the officials concerned for turning a blind eye towards the illegal submersible pumps.

A resident of the Dholewal area, Gajjan Singh Jassal, said: “I have made complaints many times but the civic body took no concrete action to stop the unauthorised installation of the submersible pumps in the city. The unlawful practice is common. Action was recently taken in two cases only when I complained to higher officials of the MC, Ludhiana. As per the guidelines, no new submersible pump can be installed in areas where water supply is available. The MC should conduct a survey in all parts of the city and take steps to stop such violations as the groundwater level is already depleting.”

A city resident, Professor Jaipal Singh (retd), said: “The MC should ensure potable water supply in all areas of the city. It should make sure that nobody instals submersible pumps in those areas where the safe drinking water supply is available. In those areas where the water supply is not available, the residents are forced to instal pumps on their own. It is the responsibility of the civic body to ensure safe drinking water supply for them.”

MC Superintending Engineer Rajinder Singh said, “The installation of new submersible pumps is prohibited in the city. If the water supply is not available in any area, permission is required for the installation of a submersible pump there. We are already taking action against unauthorised submersible pumps.”