In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the district, the gram panchayat of Jallopur village has introduced fines and disconnection of water supply for residents found wasting drinking water.
The move comes amid growing concerns over water conservation and declining groundwater levels. While governments and departments continue to run awareness campaigns on saving water, the village panchayat has decided to enforce strict measures to prevent misuse of potable water.
Sarpanch Mange Ram said no resident would be allowed to install a motor or booster pump directly on the drinking water supply line. Anyone found violating the rule would face a penalty and their water connection could also be disconnected.
To set an example, the sarpanch said he had removed the motor installed at his own house before asking other villagers to follow the rule.
“The aim is to ensure that every household receives clean and adequate drinking water round the clock. This can only be achieved if wastage and misuse of water are stopped,” he said, adding that water conservation is essential not only for the present generation but also for the future.
In collaboration with the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), the panchayat has also made it mandatory for every water outlet in the village to have a tap. Officials said a significant amount of clean water is often wasted because of open outlets without taps.
Under the new rules, a first-time violator will be fined Rs 500, while a second violation will attract a penalty of Rs 1,100. Residents who repeatedly ignore the rules may face permanent disconnection of their water supply.
District Consultant of the Public Health Engineering Department, Sharma Chand Lali, praised the initiative and said it could serve as a model for other villages in the district.
“Groundwater levels are continuously declining. Jallopur’s decision is a positive step and can inspire other villages to take similar measures,” he said. Junior Engineer Chhotu Ram said the department would conduct regular inspections in the village to ensure that drinking water was not being wasted and that the new rules were being followed. The officials and villagers hope the initiative will help promote responsible water use and strengthen efforts to conserve precious water resources.
