Nagpur: A Septuagenarian Mr Karmarkar (Name Changed) , resident of LIG Colony in Trimurti Nagar had a complaint that in every summer, fully pressurised water supply automatically turns into low pressure water supply. He raised several queries regarding sudden low pressure supply at his residence like How ? & Why ? Who is responsible for this ?
However, he was surprized to know that while working on to resolve Mr Karmarkar’s complaint, OCW’s Laxminagar Zonal Team detected a Tullu Pump (Booster Pump) illegally installed at his neighbour’s residence which is fetching more water and creating artificial low pressure supply at his tap.
Similarly, recently a vigilant citizen Mr Vijay (Name Changed) called OCW about low pressure water supply at his home in Gayathri Nagar (Zinabai Takli) area. When and OCW team searched, they found same reason: Tullu pumps (Booster pumps) mushroomed at every lane creating artificial water shortage/low pressure in entire locality.
It was observed that in many areas people have suddenly started complaining of low pressure supply at their taps as well as in their areas and localities. Experts says mushrooming of Tullu pump and its illegal use has been the only
reason for such artificial shortage/ low pressure supply of water at many taps/ localities in city.
An expert says that with the scorching summer heat of Nagpur that is already hovering around 44 degree Celsius mark, demand for potable water normally increases. IN such condition it is often seen that some people start using (illegally) the Booster (Tullu) Pumps to fetch more volume of water. Thus, they not only snatch water from others which is not just unlawful but is also immoral. Using booster pumps is a punishable offence as per NMC’s water bylaw and strict legal action may be initiated against the defaulters.
For this, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Orange City Water (OCW) have already started a massive “Tullu Pump Seizure Drive” all over city, in a bid to stop these people from illegally fetching more volume of water and which ultimately creates low pressure or artificial water shortage problems for other residents in localities.
However, the drive also received tremendous resistance and opposition in many areas across city. Areas like Rahate Nagar Toli (Hanuman Nagar zone), Labhan Tanda (Dhantoli zone) Hasanbagh, Tajbagh (Nehru Nagar ), Takia Slum, Dhantoli and Tekadi Road , Sitabuldi (Dharampeth zone) , Taj Nagar, Mankapur (Mangalwari zone), Sudarshan Colony (Asi Nagar ), Telipura Pewtha (Satranjipura zone) etc.
Despite that NMC-OCW “Tullu Pump Seizure Drive” has seized over 55 Tullu pumps in just few days. NMC-OCW seized 17 pumps from which Lakadganj, 15 pumps from Dhantoli, 6 from Aashi Nagar, 5 from Laxminagar, 3 from Mangalwari, 2 from Satranjipura and one each from other zones.
It may be mentioned here as per the NMC’s Water Rate Bylaw ”If a booster pump or any other contrivance is connected directly to the communication / supply pipe then in such an event, the Executive Engineer or his authorized representative in addition to disconnecting the water supply shall seize such contrivance without notice and the Consumer shall be prosecuted by the Corporation. The seized material shall not be returned in any case: Provided that the cost of restoration of water supply shall be borne by the consumer”. requested people not to use booster (Tullu) pumps just for fetching more water and creating problems for neighbours & co-operate with the Tullu pump seizure squad or else a stern legal action under relevant sections of IPC can also be register against illegal Tullu pump users.
NMC-OCW requested people not to use booster (Tullu) pumps just for fetching more water and creating problems for neighbours & co-operate with the Tullu pump seizure squad or else a stern legal action under relevant sections of IPC can also be register against illegal Tullu pump users.
NMC-OCW also appeal the vigilant citizens if they find booster pumps being used they should inform the OCW’s 24*7 toll free helpline at 1800-266-9899 or similar information can be passed on OCW CGRC @ 7280903636 to Zonal Heads/NMC Delegates at NMC-OCW Zonal offices.
